Arsenal player ratings vs Benfica: Aubameyang and Saka rescue Gunners on a nightmare night for Ceballos

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates his late Arsenal winner in Athens
Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal left it late to qualify for the last-16 of the Europa League, but a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace eventually saw them beat Benfica 3-2.

Simon Collings assesses how Mikel Arteta’s men got on in Athens...

Like in the first leg, nothing the German could do about Benfica’s goals. Other than that he had very little to do.

Hector Bellerin 5

Fine defensively, but going forward he struggled to make an impact on the game - which has been an issue for him this season.

David Luiz 6

Not at fault for either goal but passing out from the back was not up to its usual level. Not at his commanding best.

Gabriel Magalhaes 6

Was perhaps marginally better than Luiz, but doesn’t look quite like the force he was earlier on this season.

Kieran Tierney 7

Was looking a little lacklustre, but then burst into life by scoring a brilliant goal to make it 2-2.

Dani Ceballos 4

Was having a good game, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. Gave away the free-kick for the opening Benfica goal and then his poor header set through Rafa Silva to score the second.

Granit Xhaka 6

Controlled things quite nicely in the midfield and didn’t really make any errors.

Bukayo Saka 8 | Star man

The teenager was the hero and Arsenal’s saviour once again. Set up Aubameyang for his first goal with a beautifully disguised pass and then crossed to him for the winner, too.

Martin Odegaard 5

Wasn’t really in the game and when he did have the ball the Norwegian failed to make the impact you’d expect from your No10.

Emile Smith Rowe 5

Struggled and didn’t have a great game. Has impressed since coming into the side, but doesn’t look as effective playing out left.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 8

A much better performance from the Arsenal captain. Took his first goal well and then bagged the winner with minutes to go.

Substitutions

Willian (Smith Rowe 63’) 6

Came off the bench and put in one of his better performances for a long time. Set up Tierney for Arsenal’s second goal.

Thomas Partey (Ceballos 63’) 5

First game back since injuring his hamstring earlier this month. A quiet cameo.

Alexandre Lacazette (Bellerin 78’) N/A

Calum Chambers (Saka 90’) N/A

Mohamed Elneny (Odegaard 90’) N/A

Subs not used: Ryan, Hein, Mari, Cedric, Martinelli, Nketiah.

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