Arsenal manager Arteta - 'We were very dominant.'

Arteta bemoans Arsenal's missed chances in their Europa League clash against Benfica [Getty]

FT: Benfica 1-1 Arsenal

Mikel Arteta was pleased his Arsenal side were very dominant in their match against Benfica but wasn’t happy both teams shared the spoils as the Gunners were left ruing a host of missed chances.

Despite controlling the game at the Stadio Olimpico, Arsenal made poor decisions in the final third.

The Gunners fell behind when Emile Smith Rowe's handball handed Pizzi the chance to score from the penalty spot, but the north London club responded immediately through Bukayo Saka, who turned in Cedric Soares's cross.

After that, Arsenal couldn’t convert a series of opportunities that came their way, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang racking up several misses to leave the tie well in the balance for the second.

"We were very dominant and created some big chances,” Arteta told BT Sport. “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."

Goalscorer Bukayo Saka, who is keen on improving his all-round game, added: "We had a lot of chances. We dominated the whole game. They got a lucky penalty which I don't think was. We had to react well.

"We got a goal back and could have gone on to win it. It's not the worst result, we got an away goal.

"It was good inter-play [for the goal]. We managed to switch the ball and it was a good finish by myself so I'm happy with the goal.

"I feel like I'm improving every game. I'm trying to impress, trying to learn and listen to the boss because he gives great advice. I'm grateful to have a good team and good family around me. I just want to keep progressing.

"It is about managing the game. Last year when we went out to Olympiakos we conceded a silly goal. We can't put a foot wrong because if we do we will make it difficult for ourselves."

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