Arsenal Advance: Aubameyang and Saka inspire Gunners’ European comeback

Arsenal’s Premier League campaign thus far has been a frustrating one and was made worse with a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City last time out, with the Gunners currently sitting 11^th in the table. While the points gap between themselves and the teams currently occupying European qualification places, Mikel Arteta has a monolithic task ahead if he is to guide Arsenal to Europa League qualification via the Premier League. This makes their performance in the very same competition this season absolutely vital – by winning the competition, they are guaranteed Champions League football next season.

After drawing the first leg of this Europa League tie 1-1, Arsenal went into the second leg knowing they would likely have to simply outscore Benfica, barring a 0-0 draw. This tactical analysis will dissect the game from an Arsenal perspective, with an analysis in three key areas – Arsenal’s attacking tactics to combat the resolute Benfica defensive set-up, the Aubameyang and Saka connection, and finally Arsenal’s work out of possession; how their front line pressed well and how the midfield unit struggled in a defensive capacity.

Lineups

Arteta sent his Arsenal side out in a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the line. He had support from Emile Smith-Rowe and Bukayo Saka on the flanks – Martin Ødegaard through the middle. Defensive reinforcement from midfield was supplied by Dani Ceballos and Granit Xhaka, who both, particular with Xhaka, acted as a deep-lying playmaker to launch Arsenal attacks. At the back were Héctor Bellerín, David Luiz, Gabriel, and Kieran Tierney (from right to left) – Bernd Leno between the sticks.

Visitors Benfica deployed a 5-3-2 system that looked to keep Arsenal from holding possession in midfield with an aim to limit their chances on goal. The full-backs were Álex Grimaldo and Diogo Gonçalves, who offered both defensive support but also the occasional attacking input too. Ex-Premier League defenders Jan Vertonghen and Nicolas Otamendi partnered up with Lucas Verissimo in central defence. In midfield, Benfica have a range of talents – Adel Taarabt, who brings back fond memories of his dazzling performances in a QPR shirt in the past, joined Pizzi and Julian Weigl. Rafa Silva and Haris Seferović lead the Benfica line in this tie.