Mikel Arteta gets exactly what he wanted as Arsenal smash Sporting to end rotten run
SPORTING LISBON 1-5 ARSENAL: Mikel Arteta watched on with glee as his team made a mockery of their struggles on the road in Europe by putting Manchester City's conquerors to the sword
by John Cross · The MirrorThe scoreline tells its own story.
What an incredible result for Arsenal and exactly the performance Mikel Arteta demanded from his players. They were ruthless, clinical and brilliant with a much-needed away win in the Champions League as Arsenal’s season finally looks as if it is gaining real momentum.
Remarkably, it was Arsenal’s first away win in Europe for 13 months, the first goals they have scored on the road in this competition in five games and the first time Sporting have lost all season.
You could point to the fact the Ruben Amorim magic has already worn off after the ex-Sporting coach’s departure for Manchester United.
But this was much more about Arsenal and their style. Towards the end, the away fans were chanting: “Who put the ball in the Sporting net? Half our f***ing team did.”
It was a complete team display with five different scorers in Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was sensational and the architect in midfield as Arteta’s men took the sting out of the game and played with maturity and class.
They have been lacking consistency all season but now, finally, there appears to be signs returning that they could be approaching their best again.
A trademark goal from a set piece as Gabriel headed in from Declan Rice’s corner. Strong defending - apart from one lapse - to keep Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres quiet for most of the night.
Arsenal impressed against Nottingham Forest on Saturday but this was a statement victory because Sporting smashed four past Manchester City in their last European tie against English opposition. This was reminiscent of the goal rushes of the second half of last season when everyone thought they would be genuine title contenders this time.
They only took seven minutes to go ahead. Jurrien Timber’s low cross from the right split the Sporting penalty box and there was Martinelli to fire home from point blank range.
They did not have to wait much longer for a second and it came after an even better move as Arsenal tore Sporting apart again.
Thomas Partey’s inviting ball forward released Bukayo Saka, the England forward nutmegged Sporting keeper Franco Israel and there was Havertz to tap home for the 100th goal of his club career.
Then came the clearest sign that Arsenal were back to their very best: a brilliant and well-worked goal from a corner which has been the hallmark of Arteta’s success in the past couple of seasons. Declan Rice swung over a corner, William Saliba blocked off defenders in the box and in steamed his fellow centre half Gabriel to power home a header.
Sporting threatened a fight back after the restart. Francisco Trincao’s near post corner undid the Arsenal defence and Riccardo Calafiori did not react quick enough and allowed Goncalo Inacio to ghost in and fire home.
But Arsenal came back again. Odegaard was tripped by Ousmane Diomande and Saka smashed home the penalty.
On came Trossard and he got in on the act late on. Mikel Merino’s shot was saved and his fellow substitute headed in to complete the rout.
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