Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal ended their recent struggles with a dominant 5-1 win over Sporting at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in the Champions League. Building on their 3-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest, the Gunners delivered a confident and commanding performance to secure their first away Champions League win in six matches.
Martinelli Sets the Tone
Arsenal needed just seven minutes to establish their dominance as Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring. Jurrien Timber’s precise low cross found Martinelli, who slid in to finish inside the six-yard box. This early strike showcased Arsenal’s attacking intent, a stark contrast to Manchester City’s struggles against Sporting earlier in the month.
Havertz Doubles the Advantage
The Gunners doubled their lead in the 22nd minute with a beautifully constructed team move. Thomas Partey’s incisive pass released Bukayo Saka, who delivered a perfectly weighted ball into the box. Kai Havertz timed his run expertly to slot home from close range, underlining Arsenal’s control in the first half.
Sporting Struggle to Respond
Sporting found moments of resistance, notably when 17-year-old Geovany Quenda forced David Raya into a fine save with a powerful strike. However, Arsenal extended their lead just before halftime through Gabriel Magalhães. Rising highest to meet Declan Rice’s in-swinging corner, Gabriel headed past Franco Israel to score his first Champions League goal. His celebratory imitation of Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres’ signature gesture added some spice to proceedings.
Sporting began the second half with more urgency, and Gonçalo Inácio pulled one back in the 47th minute. Taking advantage of a lapse in concentration from Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori at a corner, Inácio volleyed home from close range. Despite this glimmer of hope, Sporting failed to sustain their momentum.
Saka and Trossard Seal the Victory
Arsenal restored their dominance in the 65th minute when Martin Ødegaard was brought down in the area by Ousmane Diomande. Saka confidently converted the resulting penalty, driving the ball into the corner of the net.
Leandro Trossard completed the rout in the 82nd minute, capitalizing on a spilled save from Mikel Merino’s shot to head in Arsenal’s fifth.
Arsenal’s Revival in Europe
This emphatic win moves Arsenal to seventh place in the standings, strengthening their chances of automatic qualification for the last 16. Sporting, suffering their first defeat in 19 matches across all competitions, now sit below Arsenal on goal difference.
Arteta’s call for a statement performance was met with an inspired display, suggesting that Arsenal have rediscovered their rhythm after a challenging spell.
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