Benfica 1-1 Arsenal: Talking Points from Battle in Rome

Wingers = WOW!

Regular starters Smith-Rowe and Saka impress and improve every week and whatever situation the team are in, they are always there to help the make the outcome as positive as possible.

Saka found himself on the score sheet yet again for the Gunners and now has 10 goals in all competitions so far this season.

The youngster had three shots on goal and played a total of 25 accurate passes. He showed passion and determination for the full 90 minutes as Arteta’s substitutions did not involve taking the winger off the pitch.

Arsenal have a very talented attacking player in their hands with Saka and it’s exciting to watch him week in week out.

On the left-wing, Smith-Rowe has adapted well in the past couple of games being pushed out wide, in order to accommodate for Odegaard in the attacking midfield position and the effort he puts in was shown again tonight.

The youngster completed 30 accurate passes for the Gunners in a game that involved a lot of action in the final third. he also completed three crosses into the box and was very unfortunate to concede the penalty that saw Benfica go 1-0 up.

Both youngsters play such vital roles in Arteta’s team and whenever one of them isn’t playing, they’re badly missed. The only thing Arteta must be wary of is how many minutes they’re playing and in a busy schedule it’s tough to rotate your squad when you want to play the same starting Xl multiple times a week, but some things need to be taken into consideration, even when players are in fine form.

What did you make of Arsenal’s display?