Arsenal squeak past Benfica – but the future remains arduous

When the second leg match at the Karaiskakis Stadium in Greece came to a final conclusion, and Arsenal had escaped a very talented Benfica side by an aggregate of 4-3, my own personal relief was palpable.

It was a hard fought match and one that, despite the Gunners worst efforts at times, is ultimately a test of character and will. As the early era of Mikel Arteta still sorts itself out, defying adversity would be a proper characteristic for his team to adopt.

While Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored two goals and might have had a hat-trick were it not for a minor offside call, he was not spectacular the entire game. Bukayo Saka, on the other hand, was absolutely brilliant the entire match and deserves infinite praise for the hand he played in the outcome we garnered.

Kieran Tierney, for me, might have been most brilliant, as I believe his goal, the second of Arsenal’s day, was key for us even having a chance – his brilliance reignited our spark after the deflating Dani Ceballos error just beforehand. Thomas Partey will shine at the Emirates for years to come, and it would be awfully cool were Martin Odegaard to join him.

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

Arsenal have reached the Europa League last 16, but the road ahead remains an arduous path

While it was not a great performance, they did find a way to win together, as a team. And it took everyone, from Emile Smith Rowe to even Willian. While it wasn’t the prettiest victory, it still counts the same in the record book.

It was a massive win for Arteta and Arsenal, who will not be repeating as FA Cup champions. In the Premier League, things are also complicated. While they sit in 11th – a less-than-ideal position at this point in the campaign – European contention and a top six/seven finish are not out of the question. Their best bet from this perspective however, appears to be through a Europa League title.

As the minor champions of Europe, they would have access to a date with the Champions League champions, as well as the Champions League itself next year. With that ambition firmly understood, the path forward will not be one of leisure, or of ease.