Benfica 1-1 Arsenal: EUROPA LEAGUE PLAYER RATINGS

Arsenal were left to rue missed chances as they drew 1-1 with Benfica in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie in Rome, but who impressed for Mikel Arteta's side?



Benfica 1-1 Arsenal: EUROPA LEAGUE PLAYER RATINGS

Martin Odegaard shone at the Stadio Olimpico. CREDIT: OFFSIDE


Bernd Leno - 6.5 - Had little to do on a quiet night for the goalkeeper.

Hector Bellerin - 7 - Found himself in some good areas down the right and often times picked out a good ball into the box, including one that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should have turned home.

David Luiz - 7 - An assured performance from Luiz against his former club.

Gabriel - 7 - The Brazilian looks back to his best with a fine performance in Rome, keeping Benfica quiet in the final third and using the ball well.

Cedric Soares - 7 - Got forward well down the left and played a crucial role in Arsenal's equaliser, finding space inside the box before putting the ball on a plate for Bukayo Saka.

Dani Ceballos - 7 - A typically lively performance in the middle of the park from Ceballos who linked play with his neat passing and intelligent use of space in a crowded midfield area.

Granit Xhaka - 6 - A decent performance in midfield, but gave the ball away far too often.

Bukayo Saka - 8.5 - Scored the all-important away goal and caused problems throughout, drifting into areas where Benfica struggled to pick him up.

Martin Odegaard - 8 - An excellent performance from the Norwegian. Odegaard posed a constant threat with his movement and pinpoint passing, with his through ball in the build-up to the Arsenal equaliser his finest of the night.

Emile Smith Rowe - 7 - Ran his socks off and looked to carve Benfica open from his position on the left. The youngster was unlucky to concede a penalty for handball in the second half. 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - 4 - His excellent movement saw him get on the end of a number of chances but had his finishing been as good the Gunners might have walked away from the first leg with a sizeable advantage in the tie.

Substitutes

Kieran Tierney - 6 - Arsenal will be delighted to have the Scot back from injury.

Nicolas Pepe - 5 - Did little after coming on.

Gabriel Martinelli - 5 - Failed to make an impact off the bench.

Mohamed Elneny - N/A

Willian - N/A


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