Arsenal look to gain advantage over Benfica in Rome

Arsenal take on Benfica in the Europa League Round of 32 in Rome. The Gunners last match in the knockout phase was the defeat to Olympiakos almost 12 months ago.

Many thought that the tie would be a coast for Arsenal. However the Greek side were tough defensively and offered threat in both set pieces and on the counter attack. 

Alexandre Lacazette gave Arsenal a first leg advantage, but in the return game Olympiacos’ won 2-1 and went through on away goals. Youssef El-Arabi scored a sliding finish to set them up for a round of 16 tie against fellow Premier League side Wolves. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could have changed that moments after but he narrowly missed the target.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be desperate not to let the events of that European night be repeated. They come into this game in form off the back of a 4-2 win at home to Leeds United. Impressive performances from Bukayo Saka and new boy Martin Odegaard were accompanied by a stellar hattrick from Aubameyang, seeing his sorely missed form from last season return.

Notable absentees from Sunday’s fixture were Gabriel Martinelli, a player who’s glittering form before injury last season has not yet been shown since his return. Alex Lacazette, who has the Gunners adapting his play to become the target man, and Nicolas Pepe, who has recently seen his best form in an Arsenal shirt.  The general consensus is that he was rested at the weekend for the challenge of Benfica. 

Kieran Tierney who has arguably been among Arsenal’s players of the campaign, has also missed the last few match with injury. But the Scotsman is back in training and is being assessed ahead of tonights clash which would be a huge boost.

Benfica have had a poor season for their standards and currently sit fourth in the Portuguese League. However, it is evident to see the quality in their side that could challenge Arsenal.

They possess a nice blend of strikers ripe with experience alongside exciting young forwards from their quality proven academy. It has produced the likes of Joao Felix in recent years, as well as defenders experienced in the Premier League such as Jan Vertonghen and Nicolas Otamendi.

Their quality stretches to every position and could prove a momentous obstacle for Arsenal to climb. This is dependent on the side that Arteta puts out, especially in the defence. They have a plethora of options at the back, but their consistency is a problem. This is well illustrated by David Luiz’s differing performances this season.

One of Benfica’s potential assets is Brazillian winger Everton, who signed for the Lisbon side in August 2020 after reported interest from Arsenal. Whilst he has not hit the ground running this season, Everton could hold a threat to the North London sides’ back line that may include new goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

This has all the makings of a fantastic European tie. Arteta will be hoping its not as costly as last season’s round of 32 loss. The combination of counter attack vs possession based play will make for a spectacle as both sides look to secure a spot in the next round of a competition they could do with winning, as it would secure them European silverware and also a place in the UEFA Champions League for next season.