UEL : Fuh! Berpeluh tengok game Arsenal vs Benfica ni (Nyaris nak tersingkir weh)

 

Arsenal are through to the last 16 of the Europa League, after Bakayo Saka’s delightful cross was nodded home by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the dying minutes of a tie that the Gunners almost contrived to lose.

Mikel Arteta sprung no surprises with his line-up and opted for the same 11 who were unlucky to leave Rome with a draw last week – minus Cedric Soares who made way for the fit again Kieran Tierney.

Arsenal had more possession and sustained threat in the final-third as shown in the above plots, but the game was played at a ponderous pace and The Gunners only accrued 10 shots – with just 4 of those coming after Tierney’s equaliser.

When questioned, Mikel Arteta said he opted to bring on Willian instead of Pepe or Gabriel Martinelli because of the lack of space and the need for special quality in tight areas. Somehow, his decision was vindicated when the Brazilian attacked the left half space and broke Benfica’s compact shape which in turn led to the equaliser.

Dani Ceballos thanks Arsenal teammate after mistake against Benfica (kalau kalah game mlm td...memang terok la kena kecam si Cebalos ni) 

ARSENAL 2-1 Burnley : Permainan menarik dr Dani Ceballos buat fans tertarik

• David Luiz stepped out for his Arsenal debut today at the Emirates 
• Brazilian centre half Luiz looked a commanding presence in defence 
• However, he played Burnley goalscorer Ashley Barnes onside for his equaliser 
• Ceballos put in a man of the match display as he laid on two assists 
• The Real Madrid loanee delivered the corner for Alexander Lacazette's opener 
• Spaniard capped an impressive display with the assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's winner

David Luiz caught the eye. That was always going to happen as he made his home debut for Arsenal at the Emirates.

He has an unmistakeable mop of curly hair and is instantly recognisable. The Arsenal fans took to him in the 2-1 win over Burnley – after the 32-year-old Brazilian was confronted by the muscle of Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes and stood firm.

They are in the strictly “ no prisoners taken” category and Luiz did not shirk the challenge they posed.

Ironically, Luiz – a surprise signing from Chelsea – inherited the number 23 shirt worn with such distinction by Sol Campbell.

And it would be hard to imagine a more stark contrast in defensive styles. Campbell was a colossus. Strikers like Wood and Barnes would bounce off him.

Luiz had to be more subtle. His strength lies in reading danger and in his distribution. His passing ranges from the eccentric to the extraordinary. Two first half moments summed him up.

The 32-year-old looked commanding in the opening stages of the game

Dani Ceballos cost £15 million for a one season loan from Real Madrid. Eyebrows were raised at the extravagant fee for a short-term commitment. It could well turn out to be money well spent.

Ceballos ran the midfield. He has a deft touch and the ability to somehow squirm out of the tightest of spaces to run free. He can see a pass – simple or long distance.

He was a constant menace to Burnley who just could not come to terms with what the 23-year Spaniard supplies. For all his skill, he is not one to baulk at the physical dimension that is part and parcel of the English Premier League.

The 23-year-old celebrates after Alexander Lacazette puts the North London side ahead

Two debuts at the Emirates, two impressive impacts from Luiz and Ceballos and three points.

It could not have gone better.