Lineup thoughts

I did not know Vertonghen was a Benfica player
I completely forgot about Weigl (ex-Dortmund) and was surprised to see him in the lineup
Excited to see Núñez; thank you r/soccer for introducing me to him
Solid lineup from Arsenal; good to see Tierney back on the bench and happy for Ode

First half thoughts

Auba missed a big chance earlier in the game; no idea how...
26' - Delightful through ball from Ode to Saka as he played a pass almost from half-field into the box; more of this!
28' - ESR wins a ball in midfield; failed counterattack but great pressing sequence which led to Benfica giving the ball away
Dani playing pretty deep, receiving the ball from Leno and trying to build the attack from the back
Xhaka attempting crosses to the wing/inside the box...should opt for the simple ball
39' - Simple 1-2 with Saka and Bellerin leads to an ESR chance in the box; see my previous point
39' - Great passing sequence between Dani and Ode leading to another great chance but Luiz was ruled offside
41' - Good recovery from Dani; getting Casemiro + Kroos vibes with his interventions + passing
42' - ESR has been a constant threat on the left
45' - Xhaka giveaway (crossing across team's own box) almost leads to a Benfica goal...

53' - Unlucky penalty call; Leno almost stopped it too
56' - Arsenal tie-up the game; Cedric assist to Saka but key play was the Ode line-breaking pass to Cedric - yes!
TUDN commentator commented on Ode having a "partido flojo" or "sub-par game" - Ode has had his moments this game but he seems to drift in and out; haven't seen him exert his influence on a game like he did when he was at Real Sociedad
67' - Great tackle from Dani to win the ball from Everton; not bad, not bad
Asides from the one shot on target that forced Leno into a save this half, Benfica haven't threatened much...great from Arsenal but they need to take advantage of this on the other end
70' - Tierney-ESR partnership down the left :handshake_emoji:
Uneventful last 15 minutes tbh

1-1 draw.