Arsenal went on to win the Europa League tie 3-2 on the day and 4-3 on the whole and Gunners trailed Benfica 2-1 when Willian came on.
Mikel Arteta singled Willian for “changing the game” against Benfica as Arsenal saved a dramatic victory to advance from the last-32 tie of Thursday’s Europa League.
Aubameyang took the plaudits with his late goal, but Arteta felt Willian, who set up Tierney’s goal, was the real hero of the Gunners.
“Willian, specifically, I think he changed the game,” Arteta said at his post-match news conference.
“He gave us much more composure in moments, produced some creativity, produced the goal for Kieran and we need everybody on board.”
