Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained going with Willian for Thursday's Europa League win against Benfica.

The Brazilian winger played a role as Kieran Tierney fired in an equaliser, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealed a late winner.

Speaking afterwards, Arteta discussed the decision behind wanting to bring on Willian instead of either Nicolas Pepe or Gabriel Martinelli.

Arteta said: "Because there wasn't much space to run in behind.

"It was a really tight two lines of 4-4-1 or 5-3-2 at times.

"They were a really low block not much space to run apart from when they set the line around the 18-yard box.

"So you need people to unlock that special qualities in tight spaces to create moments and I think Willy he was really helpful tonight."