Arsenal vs Benfica: 4 talking points as Aubameyang seals last-gasp win

Arsenal are through to the last 16 of the Europa League after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s header three minutes from time sealed a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Benfica, securing the Gunners a 4-3 aggregate success.

There was no Greek tragedy in Athens on Thursday. It sure was close, mind.

A tame opening from the ‘hosts’ was matched by a more aggressive and compact Benfica side compared to the first leg, as they closed down the man on the ball faster and shifted across the line with greater urgency to limit Arsenal’s output.

All of which is never enough to stop Bukayo Saka, whose delightful ball through to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was met with an equally cute chip to put the advantage in the Gunners’ hands on the night.

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4 talking points as Aubameyang’s brace secures Arsenal a 3-2 win over Benfica in the Europa League round of 32

The lead was cut short on the eve of half-time as Dani Ceballos committed a clumsy foul on the edge of the box. Diogo Goncalves still had plenty to do, arrowing a superb free-kick way beyond Bernd Leno’s reach.

In need of a firm talk into from Mikel Arteta, just as the hosts began asserting pressure on their opponents, a moment of insanity from Ceballos gifted Rafa a goal, leaving Arsenal’s hopes of progression in utter ruin.

Step forward Kieran Tierney, who was found in the box by Willian and rifled a fierce effort across goal to level the tie on the night. It was a goal Arsenal didn’t really deserve. Nobody cares.

And there wasn’t a grimacing face in north London when Saka’s gorgeous ball to Aubameyang was met with the captain’s head to seal the win in the 87th minute. A huge win, one that saves the season until further notice.

Bukayo Saka Saves Arsenal Yet Again

Can you award the Player of the Season award in February? Even if you can’t, the club needn’t bother holding a vote. Bukayo Saka may win by the biggest margin in years.

There are no more superlatives. He is spoken of in the highest regard by every fan of the sport, with not one ill uttering to be said of him. It’s not even as if he’s been in the game for years on end, he’s 19. Nineteen.

Just 18 months ago he netted his first senior goal for the club in this competition during a 3-0 win away at Eintracht Frankfurt. The trajectory of his career since is astronomical. Just how he’s soared his way up from this exciting young graduate to – and it’s not even close anymore – the best player in the team is astonishing.

On a poor night overall, one with sloppiness and tepidness aplenty, he stood up to the task yet again, chipping in with two assists and being the most audible player on the pitch even watching on from the television screen. ‘Generational talent’ is flung about too often. Not on this occasion.

It’s sad to ponder, but he is destined for the very top. Arsenal have to ensure that’s with them as, if it isn’t, he deserves to be a Champions League regular and challenging for titles.

Remarkable. Elite. Bukayo Saka.