It is amazing how exactly the same group of players could have such a toothless performance in front of goal, after destroying Leeds (who are a far better opponent than Benfica!) so quickly at the weekend. I have to say that most of the team had a solid performance but it is a shame that Aubameyang was totally toothless.
Surely we must do better in the second leg?
Bernd Leno – 6
Had an easy night and should have ended with a clean sheet but for the dubious penalty for Benfica.
Cédric Soares – 7
A very able deputization for Tierney and even assisted the 57th minute equaliser for Saka.
Hector Bellerín – 7
Hector seems much more relaxed with Saka in front of him. Good all round performance.
Gabriel – 7
A very solid performance and glimpses of great promise.
David Luiz – 7
Partners well with Gabriel, but all the defenders today were without much pressure.
Martin Ødegaard – 7
The Norwegian looks like a real find, I just wish Arsenal could afford him.
Dani Ceballos – 6
Not one of his best nights, and dare I say a usual performance from the Spaniard. I expected more than this against a team like Benfica.
Bukayo Saka – 8
There is no doubt that this man will lead us to glory in the future..
Emile Smith Rowe – 7
Would have rated higher if not unlucky with the penalty call for Benfica. He is still on couurse for stardom.
Granit Xhaka – 7.5
Very solid display and a calming prescence.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 5
What a difference to the the last game. Oh Aubz! We should have seen another hat-trick!
Substitutes
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Great to see him back in action and I hope to see him against City.
Kieran Tierney – 6
Again – Great to see him back in action and I hope to see him against City.
Nicolas Pépé – 5
Not involved much
Willian – N/A
Mohamed Elneny – N/A