Arsenal were 25 minutes away from having their entire season unravel after a shock Dani Ceballos error led to visitors Benfica taking a 2-1 lead on the night and 3-2 on aggregate. With the Europa League being the only trophy left to play for and the only avenue back to Europe next season, the Gunners dug deep and were soon level after a fantastic Kieran Tierney strike evened the game at 2-2 and 3-3 on aggregate. Arsenal would need a third to advance, however, as the archaic away goals rule would still see the Portuguese side advance if that result held. Enter teenage sensation Bukayo Saka. The English international had already set up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s opening goal with a brilliant through ball, and he stepped up again in the 87th minute to play a pinpoint cross to the back post for the Gabonese striker to tap in with his head and send Arsenal through to the round of 16. One shudders to think where Arsenal would be with their otherworldly winger.
Player Ratings (1 – 10)
G – Bernd Leno – 5
Must be shocked that he conceded three goals over two legs against a team that truly never really threatened his goal. Arsenal were the engineers of their own downfall as usual, and Leno was not responsible for either goal.
DF – Kieren Tierney – 8
You can really tell how much the young Scot is the heart and soul of this team. Got forward well all evening and then stepped up when the team needed him most to score an exquisite goal to drag Arsenal back into the tie. So incredibly vital and a future captain.
DF – Gabriel – 6
After a rough couple of months around the holidays, the Brazilian is working his way back to the form that made him the team’s best player at the beginning of the season. Reads the game well and knows when to pounce and when to absorb pressure. Endured tough moments but did enough to get the job done.
DF – David Luiz- 6
Similar to his compatriot next to him, Luiz had a solid if unspectacular game. Wasn’t at fault for either goal and his experience was vital in helping Arsenal grow back into the game. A quiet game is a good game for Luiz.
DF – Hector Bellerin – 5.5
Another up and down performance from Bellerin. Defended well enough but was undecided going forward. Sat too long on the ball at times and allowed Benfica to recover when Arsenal tried to break. With rumors circulating that he might be looking to move on in the summer, it might be time for the club to cash out after a terrific decade of service.
MF – Dani Ceballos – 4.5
Weird game for Ceballos. Started so brightly, picking up right where he left off last Thursday. Ran himself into the ground, dribbled out of pressure well, and moved the team forward. Then he found himself responsible for both Benfica goals that almost saw Arsenal eliminated. Horrible foul on the edge of the box for the free-kick goal and then the inexcusable header leading to the second. Thankfully he was bailed out by his teammates.
MF – Granit Xhaka – 6.5
Xhaka continues to show real improvement under Arteta. Having a clearly defined role has allowed the Swiss international to maximize all of his qualities, and he has become the midfield rock that this team desperately needed. Fair play to him as he continues to prove all of his haters wrong, myself included.
MF – Martin Odegaard – 6.5
Started off horribly but grew into the game in the second half. His quality is clear and will only shine through more as he continues to get acclimated with the side. His reaction to the winner showed what the game means to him, which is exactly the type of desire Arsenal currently needs.
RW – Bukayo Saka – 9 (MOTM)
There are no longer words to describe just how good this kid is. The driving force behind the club at 19 years old, and he only gets better with each passing match. Both of his assists were elite, and his relationship with Aubameyang on and off the pitch will be the main factor in the club returning to the upper-echelon of Europe. Arsenal are so incredibly lucky to have Bukayo Saka.
LW – Emile Smith Rowe – 5
Wasn’t Smith Rowe’s day. Struggled to make an impact from the left, and even when he drifted inside he couldn’t quite make things tick. A young player such as him will endure nights like this, as not everyone can be Bukayo Saka. Will certainly grow from it.
ST – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 8
The captain led by example tonight. Two wonderfully taken goals, especially the first, to carry his team over the line. Seven goals in his last seven appearances shows that he is finally fully through his rough patch and the club will continue to rely heavily on him. His partnership with Saka is a true joy to watch.
Substitutes
MF – Willian – 6.5
Willian has a pulse! Came on for Smith Rowe and was actually vital in helping Arsenal win the match. His assist to Tierney was a good spot, and he finally repaid Arteta’s continued faith in him.
MF – Thomas Partey – 7
Should have started the game, but showed his quality once he came on. Calm and composed as always, a Partey-Xhaka pivot is exactly the midfield Arsenal needs.
FW – Alexandre Lacazette – 6
Came on to help chase the winner. Didn’t have much to do but gets credit for being on the pitch for the third goal.
MF – Mohammed Elneny – N/A
Came on late to help see the match out.
DF – Callum Chambers – N/A
Welcome back Callum Chambers! Came on at the death to help Arsenal shell up. Job done.
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