Arsenal produced a statement win as Mikel Arteta’s full-strength side beat Sporting 5-1 in Lisbon to boost their chances of automatic Champions League qualification.
Sports again started slowly against Premier League opposition in Europe, as they did against Manchester City in Ruben Amorim’s last game in charge, but Arsenal did not let him go as their rivals had a few weeks earlier.
Gabriel Martinelli celebrated the opening in Lisbon
Arsenal scored three goals in the first half through Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel to give the Gunners an unassailable lead at the break thanks to plenty of inspired Bukayo Saka wreaking havoc down the right.
Sporting pulled a goal back less than three minutes after the restart, central defender Goncalo Inacio turned in a corner at the front post, increasing the possibility of a comeback, although the hope was less than 20 minutes before the penalty From the ice of the game.
Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio pulled one back for his side
Substitute Leandro Trossard tapped in another on the rebound eight minutes from time after Mikel Merino’s shot was parried by Sporting goalkeeper Franco Israel to put the result beyond doubt and move Arsenal into seventh place, above the hosts on goal difference.
Sport collapsed in the first half, especially on the left, where Jurrien Timber crossed for Martinelli’s opener in 10 minutes before Saka set up Havertz for the second soon after, with Gabriel heading in Declan Rice’s corner for the third.
The home side’s revival collapsed after Saka restored their three-goal lead from the spot, after seeing captain Martin Odegaard shot from behind by Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande, fortunately not receiving a second booking.
Arsenal, for the first time since August, can play against the best team, start Saka, Rice and Odegaard, and return to the best. They are currently just outside the automatic qualification spots in eighth place with three games to play.
Arteta: We are incredible
Mikel Arteta hailed the best performance in Europe during his reign as Arsenal claimed their biggest Champions League win since beating Inter by the same scoreline in 2003.
“Of course, especially against an opposition we play at home who haven’t lost a game in 18 months – they’ve been in their best position here – to play with the level, determination, purpose and fluidity they showed today, I’m very happy,” he said. Arteta.
“The team played with courage, because they were very good. When I watched it live, they were very good! They were all incredible today. It was a great performance, a great win and we are very happy.
“The performance there are a few times when we have played a great team. That is the level that we have to be able to complete and you have to happen, and that creates confidence.”
From: This is where Arsenal belong
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka, who was named the best player, told TNT Sports:
“We talked about it before the game. We know this season they have been the best team but we believe in ourselves and we just have to be us.
“We played with confidence. All the top guys and anyone can get this (player of the match award).
“I’m really proud of all the boys today. This is where we belong so we showed the level we can play and we have to keep playing like this.”
On the verdict: “It’s important but I don’t feel the pressure. I’m confident.”
On playing again with Martin Odegaard: “He is an unbelievable player. Today, he is back and you can see a big smile on my face.
“There’s chemistry we have, I love playing with him. I’m happy he’s back and I hope he stays fit for the rest of the season.”
Analysis: Arsenal hit form at the right time
While Manchester City’s season was in crisis, Arsenal were quietly finding their best form. This win at Sporting, the first for the visiting side in over a year, was a reminder of just how ruthless Mikel Arteta’s side can be.
Arsenal’s poor form last month suggests there are signs of mental fatigue in a squad that has been runners-up to Pep Guardiola’s Premier League winning machine for two years running. This performance dispels those concerns.
Sport was there for the taking, but Arsenal pulled away with ease to claim back-to-back wins for the first time since the first week of October. The Portuguese champions were never in the game.
Arsenal were dominant from start to finish, certainly boosted by the return of their star trio, who have restored balance to a side that has often looked disjointed over the past month. He should be considered a contender for all the top prizes – if he can stay fit.
City are on the slide and all eyes are on Liverpool in the title race. Arsenal may be nine points behind but will feel time is on their side. As in the Champions League, they are in the mix.
