Arsenal played the reverse fixture of the Round of 32 against Benfica earlier this evening as they looked to get the better of the Portuguese giants. The Gunners made a quick start to the game and took the lead in the 21st minute courtesy of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goal. However, Diogo Goncalves equalised for the ‘away’ team with a sensational free-kick just two minutes before the half-time break to set-up an exciting second half.
Rafa Silva put Benfica ahead on the scoreline when he found the back of the net in the 61st minute. But Kieran Tierney scored the leveller for Mikel Arteta’s men to give them some hope of qualification heading into the final stages of the game. It was Aubameyang who stepped up and netted the winner in the 87th minute, which ensured Arsenal’s place in the next round of the UEFA Europa League after the match finished 3-2 (4-3 on aggregate) in favour of the Premier League side.
Let’s take a look at how each Arsenal player fared during the clash against Benfica.
GK: Bernd Leno – 5/10
The German keeper had to do very little over the 90 minutes but would be disappointed after letting in two poor goals during the game.
RB: Hector Bellerin – 6/10
He made one good run during his time on the field but didn’t offer enough in the opposition half.
CB: David Luiz – 6/10
Luiz was excellent when distributing the ball from the back but was far from convincing defensively.
CB: Gabriel – 6.5/10
The Brazilian centre-half cleared the danger when called into action and made one important interception for his team.
LB: Kieran Tierney – 7.5/10
Tierney was solid at the back and popped up with the crucial equaliser, which set-up a blockbuster finale. Arteta will be happy with his performance this evening.
CM: Dani Ceballos – 5.5/10
He got stuck in with a few tackles but was far from convincing during his time on the field. He ran out of gas and got replaced after the hour mark. Both of his mistakes played a role in the two Benfica goals.
CM: Granit Xhaka – 7/10
Xhaka won a lot of aerial duels at the centre of the park and was quite tidy with his passing.
RW: Bukayo Saka – 9/10
The English winger was a constant menace for the Benfica defenders and has got two assists to show for his efforts. A contender for the Young Player of the Year for sure.
CAM: Martin Ødegaard – 6.5/10
He had some bright moments in the game and was always willing to track back and help his teammates out in midfield.
LW: Emile Smith Rowe – 6/10
Smith Rowe worked hard but struggled to influence the game in the final third.
ST: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 8.5/10
Aubameyang gave Arsenal the lead early in the game and also came to his side’s rescue when he got his name on the scoresheet again in the 87th minute, which ended up making the difference in this tie.
Substitutes:
RW: Willian – 7/10
The Brazilian veteran picked up a good assist after coming off the bench.
CM: Thomas Partey – 7/10
Partey added some bite and steel to the Arsenal midfield.
ST: Alexandre Lacazette – 6/10
The Frenchman never got a sniff at goal.
CM: Mohamed Elneny – N/A
He came off the bench to run the clock down.
CB: Callum Chambers – N/A
Chambers hardly had any time to make an impact.
