Kai Havertz was the saviour for Arsenal late on (Image: Getty)
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will take a slender 1-0 advantage back to the capital after a sluggish outing against Portuguese outfit Sporting. Kai Havertz came off the bench to break Sporting’s hearts with a late strike in added time, with Arsenal in a strong position to progress to the semi-finals.
Much to the disdain of the travelling fans and those watching around the world, Arsenal picked up where they left off in their last two outings… and not for a good reason. Just five minutes into the game, Maximiliano Araujo rattled the crossbar with a stinging shot from the edge of the box – replays showing the returning David Raya got a touch on the ball. Set-pieces, predictably, represented Arsenal’s best threat, but it was another slog of a performance from the visitors.
Martin Zubimendi did find the back of the net midway through the second half when he curled home with a beauty, but Viktor Gyokeres was offside in the build-up. Raya once again made a couple of fantastic saves to keep the score level, before substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz linked up perfectly in added time to give Arsenal a late win. Express Sport hands out player ratings after the win.
If the Spanish goalkeeper had played Arsenal’s last two matches, there’s an argument to be made that they’d already had a trophy under their belt and would still be on for the quadruple. A stunning save in the opening five minutes kept the score level, while his overall presence makes Arsenal so much better. Backed it up with another couple of belters late on.
Speaking of dropoffs, there’s certainly one in the right-back department now. Jurrien Timber has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season, but his deputy doesn’t compare. Looked shaky throughout the night.
Looked shaky at times in possession, but had very few problems when asked to defend against a fairly toothless Sporting attack.
Similar to his trusty centre-back partner, the Brazilian was comfortable whenever called upon in the defensive department. Will have many more difficult nights to come if Arsenal are to go the distance.
Probably the most tested of the Arsenal defenders, with Suarez, Francisco Trincao and Geny Catamo linking up nicely. Got run ragged for the chance that Suarez created late on and would’ve been relieved to get out of Lisbon with a clean sheet.
Had thought he’d broken the deadlock with a stylish effort from the edge of the box, but the celebrations were cut short when an offside in the buildup was confirmed.
Kept things ticking over in the middle and was on hand to sweep up Sporting’s counterattacks. So crucial to everything Arsenal want to do.
Martin Odegaard lacked a spark in the Arsenal midfield (Image: Getty)
Arsenal fans would’ve had hearts in their mouths when the skipper went down with what looked to be another injury during the second half. However, his impact on the match was limited, and Arsenal lacked Eberechi Eze’s inventiveness in the final third.
Had the chance to make an impact following news that Bukayo Saka didn’t make the squad because of an injury, and did get into some promising positions.
Far too slow to get back onside for what would’ve been Zubimendi’s opener, but did put himself about at the tip of the attack.
Arteta persisted with the Belgian, and while his work rate is second to none in the Arsenal squad, the north Londoners needed so much more in attack. The Martinelli change came too late.
Didn’t really do much before the goal, but his darting run and calm finish was all Arsenal needed to secure the win. A penny for Arteta’s thoughts, given Gyokeres struggled once again.
Was a willing runner off the bench and would’ve no doubt cherished the experience.
Exactly what Arsenal were lacking in attack. The winger came off the bench, started taking risks, and was rightly rewarded.
