3 Arsenal talking points from exceptional European victory over Sporting CP

Arsenal produced their most impressive Champions League performance of the season on Tuesday evening as they hammered reigning Portuguese champions Sporting CP 5-1 in Lisbon.

The Gunners were relentless in their pursuit of victory at the Estadio Jose Alvalade and powered into a three-goal lead courtesy of an utterly dominant first-half effort from those in red and white.

Following a morale-boosting outing that has seen Arsenal shoot up the league phase table, here are some key talking points from their victory in Portugal.

1. Arsenal rise where Man City fell

At the beginning of November, Manchester City made headlines on their trip to Lisbon for all the wrong reasons. The reigning Premier League champions were overrun by the indefatigable Sporting and succumbed to a dismal 4-1 defeat.

2. The Martin Odegaard effect

If ever evidence was needed of how integral Martin Odegaard is to Arsenal, then Tuesday’s match provided it. Mikel Arteta’s side had looked a shadow of themselves in the Norwegian’s absence, struggling to break down stubborn low blocks and open up defences without their skipper’s ingenuity.

3. Bukayo Saka runs riot

There have never been any doubts over Bukayo Saka’s brilliance, with performances like Tuesday’s only strengthening his position as one of football’s most devastating forwards.