Viktor Gyokeres struggled on his return to Sporting CP, but somehow Noni Madueke and Leandro Trossard managed to earn even lower ratings for Arsenal.
Arsenal came away with a crucial 1-0 win in Portugal courtesy of Kai Havertz, but overall, it was a tough watch between the two sides at the José Alvalade Stadium.
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Both teams struggled to break one another down, and it took a combination play between Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli for the deadlock to be broken.
The North London club will be delighted with the win, but overall, it was a poor display from Mikel Arteta’s team in Lisbon.
David Raya – 7
David Raya proved to be the real match-winner for Arsenal, despite Havertz’s goal, as the Spaniard made several remarkable saves to keep a clean sheet.
Riccardo Calafiori – 6
Riccardo Calafiori was defensively solid and occasionally ventured forward, but nothing to write home about for the Italian defender.
Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba – 7
Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba were both very solid at the back for Arsenal, and the North London club never looked like conceding.
Ben White – 4
Ben White had a tough evening at the Jose Alvalade Stadium and proved why the Gunners need Jurrien Timber back soon.
Martin Zubimendi – 5
Martin Zubimendi thought he had given Arsenal the lead; however, Gyokeres was offside, and the goal was chalked off. Otherwise, it was a very quiet evening for the Spaniard.
Declan Rice – 6
Declan Rice was most involved in the defensive phases against Sporting and often mopped up when required.
Martin Odegaard – 5
Martin Odegaard struggled to make much of an impact on the game in Lisbon.
The midfielder tried to drop deep and make things happen, but failed to ever find the killer pass.
The Arsenal captain attempted 59 passes against the Portuguese side, but finished with an 81 per cent accuracy.
Noni Madueke – 3
Alan Shearer was frustrated with Noni Madueke’s performance against Sporting, claiming that he was not quick enough to get balls into the box.
The winger tried hard to make things happen, but ultimately showed why fans have been calling for Max Dowman. He attempted nine crosses and didn’t complete a single one.
Explain to us why Bukayo Saka should still start over Noni Madueke?
Leandro Trossard – 3
Leandro Trossard’s barren spell in front of goal continues with the winger having now failed to score in his last 19 matches.
The winger had very little effect on the game and once again proved why the Gunners must move him on in the summer.
Viktor Gyokeres – 4
Viktor Gyokeres did not get much service during the match managaing just 17 touches, whilst also managing just one shot at goal.
Kai Havertz – 7
Havertz showed great composure for his goal to take Martinelli’s cross out of the air and slot home in the 94th minute.
Max Dowman – 5
Dowman had some decent moments in the match and played with real intent as he often does.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
Martinelli picked out Havertz’s run very well and played a key role off the bench.
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