Arsenal had been on the point of crashing out of the Europa League.
And that will have been a nightmare state of affairs for Gunners supervisor Mikel Arteta who admitted forward of the second leg tie against Benfica that his facet have to be in Europe – ideally within the Champions League.
“Well big, as a result of the membership must be represented in Europe, that’s 100%,” the Spaniard mentioned in his pre-match press convention. “And ideally clearly within the Champions League.
“The factor is that the competitors on this league now it’s so huge that a couple of groups who took this as a right for a lot of, a few years it’s not the case anymore.
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“So now the Europa League turns into an enormous competitors. If you see how the competitors has developed within the final 4 or 5 years with the groups concerned, you’ll say that it’s one other Champions League competitors even when individuals doesn’t deal with it that approach.
“For us it’s very important. We wish to keep it up enjoying within the competitors.
“It’s a trophy and we’re gonna go for it.”
Arsenal’s probabilities of going for the Europa League trophy had been hanging by a thread within the 87th minute with the rating at 2-2 and Benfica set to progress by advantage of the away objectives rule.
However, captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang saved his facet’s blushes by heading house on the again submit to ship the Gunners into the spherical of 16.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Benfica (Image: ARIS MESSINIS/AFP by way of Getty Images)
But whereas Aubameyang’s affect is nice information for the north London outfit, many fans have praised Bukayo Saka’s function within the aim.
The teenager, who arrange the 31-12 months-outdated’s first-half opener with a superb go, put the ball on a plate for the striker with a incredible cross – and supporters have had some type phrases for the wonderkid.
Take a have a look at what’s been mentioned on Twitter…
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@ChiefNez mentioned: “Saka is huge for us. Truly had an incredible sport.”
@TheGoneGoon1 mentioned: “Saka is prime 5 younger gamers ITW.”
@GoonerSam93 mentioned: “That ball by Saka was pure.”
