Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says his team needed to be ‘more ruthless’ in front of goal during their 1-1 draw with Benfica.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed a golden chance to put the Gunners ahead in the first half.
He was found by Hector Bellerin in the box but managed to send his shot wide.
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Benfica then opened the scoring in the 55th minute through Pizzi.
He scored from the penalty spot after a cross was adjudged to have hit Emile Smith-Rowe’s arm.
Arsenal equalised just two minutes later through the in-form Bukayo Saka.
The 19-year-old finished off a nice move which saw Martin Odegaard play a defence-splitting pass.
Speaking after the draw, Arteta told BT Sport (via BBC Sport): “We were very dominant and created some big chances. We have to be more ruthless. It was disappointing the way we conceded the goal. We gave them the ball then it was 1-1 and all to play for.
“We conceded a corner then from the corner we did not react quick enough and conceded the penalty. Looking at it, it’s difficult to judge. We had a great reaction and scored a great goal.
“We tried to maintain the level. Both teams dropped in the last 20 minutes. But overall we should leave the ground with more.”
The draw leaves Arsenal on course to qualify for the last 16 of the Europa League.
They’re the home side on paper in the return leg, despite it being played in Athens due to coronavirus restrictions.
Arteta will be hoping his team can be more effective in front of goal next time to secure progress in the competition.
In the mean time, their attention will turn to the Premier League.
They play Man City in a huge match on Sunday at 16:30.
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