Arsenal produced their best European away display of Mikel Arteta’s reign as they secured a statement 5-1 victory over Sporting CP. It didn’t take long for the Gunners to open a lead as Gabriel Martinelli tapped home Jurrien Timber’s superb low cross.
Kai Havertz doubled the lead just after the 20 minute mark tapping home Bukayo Saka’s shot-cum-cross. Arsenal could have had more but finally added a third when Gabriel headed home Declan Rice’s corner on the stroke of half time.
Straight after the break though, Goncalo Inacio was able to pull one back for the hosts as he flicked home from a corner. For a while Arsenal were on the ropes but when Ousmane Diomande brought down Martin Odegaard in the box they had the chance to regain control. Saka made no mistake from the spot.
David Raya: Hardly anything to do in the first half. Worked much more often in the second period and stood up well to testing Sporting shots from distance. 7.
Jurrien Timber: His cross for Martinelli’s opener was simply sublime. Continued to get forward well after that and stuck to his defensive duties too. 8.
