Aubameyang double rescues Arsenal against Benfica

A double from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang helped Arsenal reach the last 16 of the Europa League after a 3-2 late comeback win over Benfica (4-3 on agg.) in Greece on Thursday night.

The Action: Mikel Arteta's men got off to a good start and got themselves in front after 20 minutes, a brilliant ball from Bakayo Saka cutting open the Benfica backline and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang dinking home first time over Benfica goalkeeper Helton Leite.

Arsenal continued to look the better team, but Benfica improved throughout the first-half and levelled the tie two minutes before the break through a fantastic free-kick from Diogo Gonçalves that found the top corner.

Buoyed by their leveller, Benfica looked the more dangerous and scored their second when Dani Ceballos’ awful header back to Bernd Leno was intercepted by Portugal international Rafa Silva who gratefully rounded Leno to slot into an empty net - meaning Arsenal needed to score two to advance.

The gutsy Gunners responded almost instantly, however, a fine strike from Kieran Tierney from the edge of the box getting Arteta's men back in the contest.

With the game nearing its conclusion, Saka again turned provider - the England international with another fantastic ball that allowed Aubameyang to head the Gunners into the next round with just three minutes remaining on the clock.

The Big Picture: Even though they made it difficult for themselves, the Gunners recorded a fantastic win over a team that commonly plays in the Champions League. The draw for the next round will be held tomorrow in Nyon at 12pm.

Arsenal's focus returns to the Premier League this weekend, as they face a tough challenge away to Leicester on Sunday at midday.

Memorable Moment: Diogo Gonçalves' free-kick was a thing of beauty. The former Nottingham Forest player put his team back in the tie with a fantastic strike into the top corner on the stroke of half-time.

Man of the Match: Most people would give it to Aubameyang, as he scored two vital goals, the second of which was an invaluable matchwinner. However, the man who supplied the Gabon forward with both of his goals was superb throughout - our MOTM going to Bukayo Saka.

It seems the youngster is improving game on game and he looks set to become a key player for club and country. When Arsenal need to inject some flair into their game, the only player in the squad consistently capable of providing that spark is Saka and his two assists against Benfica underlined the fact.

Stat of the Day: In all competitions since the start of last season, only Trent Alexander-Arnold (20) has more assists among English players from Premier League clubs than Bukayo Saka (18).