Arsenal produced a statement win as Mikel Arteta’s full-strength side thrashed Sporting 5-1 in Lisbon to boost their chances of automatic Champions League qualification.
Sporting once again started slowly against Premier League opposition in Europe, just as they did against Manchester City in Ruben Amorim’s final game in charge, but Arsenal did not let them off the hook as their rivals had a few weeks earlier.
Gabriel Martinelli celebrates his opener in Lisbon
Arsenal punched in three first-half goals through Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel to put the Gunners into what felt like an unassailable lead by the break thanks in large part to an inspired Bukayo Saka wreaking havoc down the right flank.
Sporting pulled a goal back less than three minutes after the restart, centre-back Goncalo Inacio turning in a corner at the front post, raising the possibility of an unlikely comeback, although those hopes lasted less than 20 minutes before Saka’s penalty iced 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 eighth, above their hosts on goal difference.
Sporting were torn apart in the first half, particularly down their left, where Jurrien Timber crossed in for Martinelli’s opener inside 10 minutes before Saka set up Havertz for the second shortly after, with Gabriel heading in a Declan Rice corner for the third.
The home side’s revival fell flat after Saka restored the three-goal lead from the spot, having seen his captain Martin Odegaard chopped down from behind by Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande, fortunate not to receive a second booking.
Arsenal, for the first time since August, were able to field their best team, starting Saka, Rice and Odegaard, and looked back to their imperious best. They now find themselves just inside the automatic qualification places in eighth with three games to go.
Saka: This is where Arsenal belong
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka, named player of the match, told TNT Sports:
“We spoke about it before the game. We know this season they’ve been a top team but we believe in ourselves and we just needed to be us.
“We played with confidence. Everyone was top and anyone could have got this [the 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 at and we need to continue playing like this.”
On his penalty: “It was important but I didn’t really feel the pressure. I was confident.”
On playing again with Martin Odegaard: “He’s an unbelievable player. Today, he returned and you can see the big smile on my face.
“There’s a chemistry we have, I enjoy playing with him. I’m happy he’s back and I hope he stays fit for the rest of the season.”
