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

The Season Lives on but Arsenal Get Lucky

Chasing the game, Arteta brought Willian on. Given the amount of flak he’s had and the regularly atrocious performances he’s put in, he truly put his neck on the line.

It was the best the Brazilian has been since the opening day. He kept running in behind, adding directness and effort in the wide left berth and playing his part in setting up Kieran Tierney’s equaliser. Some words were clearly exchanged between the pair of late and the end result was that short cameo.

Overall, however, Arsenal got lucky. Saka bailed them out.

The changes Arteta made late in the game killed any rhythm Arsenal had. Smith Rowe coming off for a wide player made sense, but the lack of pressing from the team after that and the amount of bodies stuck behind the goal led to a relatively futile final 20 minutes. Arsenal did not look like scoring.

Willian playing on the left and Saka playing at right-back meant the central midfielders stepped back and eased off the press. Arteta’s changes ultimately paid off with Willian’s involvement, but if Saka wouldn’t have pulled out a masterful assist for Aubameyang, then the knives would have been out.

Equally, the overall display was lacking. As ever, mistakes were (nearly) the downfall of this Arsenal side, who were primed to suffer from their failings in both legs. They scraped through and the individuals stepped up when the occasion called for it, yet that doesn’t mean there aren’t creases to iron out.

For now, however, it’s a win and progression. An Arteta vs Emery showdown lives on.