Arsenal had to settle for a draw against Benfica in Rome last night in a game that would have frustrated Mikel Arteta massively.
The Gunners had plenty of chances to put the whole tie to bed last night. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed an absolute sitter in the first half before squandering two more very good opportunities after the break.
The Arsenal skipper was quick to admit after the game that he should’ve at least scored two goals. Fans backed Auba to come back stronger after what was a terrible night for him (Read here), but a Portuguese newspaper wasn’t really that kind.
O Jogo rated players of both sides after the game last night and Aubameyang was given a 4/10. As much as we love him, we can’t really argue that he deserved more after missing three chances.
The newspaper read: “Unlike the last game in England, where he scored three goals against Leeds, Aubameyang was spendthrift last night. Namely, at 9 minutes, 63 and 75, when he had good chances to score. He also sinned for the offside plays where he let himself be caught.”
Aubameyang completed just nine passes successfully last night. He was caught offside four times and both of his shots were off target. He missed one big chance and two others which he should have buried quite easily. (SofaScore)
Arsenal Insider’s view:
It was just one of those days for Auba. He looked nothing like his usual self, which really is a shock considering his spectacular hat-trick against Leeds United last weekend.
It was good to see fans backing Auba to come back stronger for the second-leg rather than having a real go at him last night.
He might be given a break against Manchester City this weekend but he will surely start in the second-leg. If Auba can right his wrongs then, all will be forgotten and we will be on our way to the business end of the competition.
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