Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang salvaged Arsenal’s Europa League campaign as his late winner sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Benfica in Athens.
The Gunners talisman netted his second of the match from close-range in the 87th minute, after Dani Ceballos’ calamitous error had gifted the visitors a lead just after the hour mark.
Bukayo Saka continued to show his importance for Arsenal, being the architect behind their revival, claiming both assists for Aubameyang either side of Kieran Tierney’s fiercely struck equaliser.
Despite the hosts taking the lead early on, old frailties almost came back to haunt them when Benfica took control of the tie through goals from Diogo Goncalves and Rafa Silva.
Both sides remained unbeaten in the competition coming into the fixture while also being among the highest scorers and the theme of goals looked set to continue with Arsenal starting brightly.
After a sustained period of possession, Aubameyang gave the home side the lead after 21 minutes, following a clever link-up with Saka.
The 19-year-old cut inside from the right and threaded an accurate pass in behind the Benfica defence for Aubameyang to latch onto.
With Helton Leite closing him down, the Gabonese international made no mistake to cooly lift the ball over him, and into the net.
Chances had been hard to come by for the away side, until Julian Weigl was brought down by Ceballos’ clumsy tackle, presenting a shooting opportunity from about 25-yards.
Diogo Goncalves stepped up and expertly struck his effort past the outstretched Bernd Leno to give Benfica a lifeline.
Jorge Jesus’ men then took full advantage from Ceballos’ under-hit headed back pass. Silva read his intentions, going through on and taking it around Leno to give them the lead.
The introduction of Thomas Partey and Willian looked to revitalise Arsenal, with the latter playing his part in Tierney’s equaliser.
Willian’s splitting pass found the Scotsman in the area, allowing him to drag the ball into his left foot and smash his effort across the keeper to level the scores.
With 20 minutes remaining, Mikel Arteta’s side were staring down the barrel of another exit in the round-of-32, having been eliminated in the same stage last year against Olympiacos.
However, this time around their star man stepped up when they needed him most, as Aubameyang headed in Saka’s whipped cross to give Arsenal a 3-2 win on the night.
