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.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

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.

Dani Ceballos Ruins Positivity

Up until the 40th minute, there could be few qualms with the performance of Ceballos. He recovered possession more times than any other player on the pitch in the first half, played his way out of danger with composure and covered ground throughout.

The mistakes killed all of that.

While anyone can give away a silly free-kick on the edge of the box, it was the build up to that point which exacerbated the incident. Dropping in between the centre-backs then switching on to his surroundings and clocking on that there was adequate cover, he pushed up too close and tripped his man unnecessarily.

Evidently having the bit between his teeth, such is his aura most matches, he tries to take on too much. Feeling the need to drop off and perform a role that wasn’t his burden to bear, he brought it upon himself.

The second error is plain baffling. He saw Rafa looking to pounce on a header back, and having known Leno was not within range unless his neck muscles were Looney Tunes-esque springs, the weak glance of the ball gifted Benfica a seemingly inevitable win.

The good, the bad, and the ugly.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Delivers the Goods

Take those two goals out of the equation and Aubameyang had, generally, a poor game.

None of which matters when you score two goals.

Just after half-time – even before the game started – there were calls for Alexandre Lacazette to play in his stead. Someone who could link fluidly with Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe, drop deep to allow for diagonal runners and indulge in the physical side of the game against the three Benfica central defenders.

Lacazette would have done that. However, he wouldn’t have scored those goals. And that’s what is important.

Aubameyang is and always will be a low-touch striker. He thrives on attacking spaces, being fed through on goal and receiving the ball ready to strike it in as little time as possible. Both his goals on the night were scored with a single touch. His finishing does the talking.

He, like so many others, will miss chances. He’ll may squander more on Sunday. Yet as captain, as the talisman and as the striker, it’s about the continuing to find the spaces and making them count and Aubameyang’s movement is superb.

In the first leg he came off and Arsenal created nothing. If he’d have come off again, this conversation wouldn’t even be happening. If you want to score goals you have your best goalscorers on the pitch. Thursday night is what usually happens if you do.

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.