3 standout players from Europa League draw in Portugal

3. Fabio Vieira

On a night when the attack was not as fluid as fans have been used to seeing, one player stood out: Fabio Vieira. The midfielder has been held back by Mikel Arteta with his integration into the first-team slow.

He has been trusted by the manager to start throughout the Europa League campaign thus far, however, and has impressed in nearly every appearance in the competition. In Lisbon, it was more of the same.

Tasked with providing a creative impetus from midfield, Vieira took on that responsibility. Drifting in from the right-hand side, he kept possession when needed. As opportunities arose, he would also shift inside from the touchline and loft accurate balls to the back post.

He also found himself in the box on several occasions; heading towards goal, moving the ball quickly to overlapping players and getting shots away. His assist came from a well-taken corner and was unlucky not to score. His quality is clear to see and it is only a matter of time before he breaks into the first team. An exciting prospect indeed.

Arsenal were lucky to walk away with a level score. Key performances from the players mentioned above kept them afloat. These same players will likely be crucial in the return fixture next week. With fewer errors on the ball and improved finishing, the Gunners can put away the tie at home with ease.