WILLIAN bagged his first assist since November and just his fourth of the season in Arsenal’s thrilling win over Benfica.
The Brazilian, 32, climbed off the bench to haul the Gunners back into their Europa League tie on Thursday night.
Willian celebrates Arsenal’s winner with goalscorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after his assist for Kieran Tierney’s equaliserCredit: Getty Images – Getty
He came on in the 63rd minute and just four minutes later set up Kieran Tierney to make it 2-2.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a late winner to seal a 4-3 aggregate win and a place in the last 16.
Willian had only managed three assists this season before Thursday’s clash.
Two of those were on the opening day of the season against Fulham with the other coming against Wolves in November.
Arsenal legend Martin Keown hopes the 32-year-old can turn a corner after a rocky season.
He joined on a free from Chelsea in August but is yet to score in a red shirt.
He said on BT Sport: “This could be the making of Willian, tonight. He’s been a bit gloomy since he’s been there.
“But this is a big moment for him – he’s just come on and been a part of success and hopefully he can perform better going forward.”
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Keown added: “This is what I want from Willian – run with the ball and test yourself.
“It’s hard and demanding physically but don’t just keep coming back and passing it to someone else.
“We brought you here to make the difference.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
