Arsenal travelled to Portugal to take on Sporting CP in a Champions League clash on Tuesday evening.
Arsenal carried their impressive form from Saturday’s 3-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest into this fixture at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side pulled the reigning Portuguese champions apart in the first half, as Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Magalhaes all scored to give the North London outfit a 3-0 lead at the break.
Meanwhile, the Gunners’ rearguard were able to keep Arsenal transfer target Viktor Gyokeres quiet.
A Sporting goal early in the second half sparked a period of dominance for the hosts, but a Bukayo Saka penalty and a late Leandro Trossard goal ultimately sealed an emphatic 5-1 Champions League victory for the Gunners.
Arsenal player ratings vs Sporting
David Raya – 7
David Raya could do little about Sporting’s goal, but commanded his penalty area well throughout and picked out some clever passes.
Jurrien Timber – 7
The right-back picked up an assist for Martinelli’s opener, and persistently pushed forward with great intent.
William Saliba – 7
William Saliba was his usual composed self alongside Gabriel at the back, and helped Arsenal to weather a second half storm.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 8
Largely dealt with Gyokeres brilliantly throughout, as he engaged in an entertaining physical battle with the Swedish striker.
Gabriel also made an impact at the other end of the pitch, as he bullied his way through the box to meet a corner and power home a header just before the break. Gabriel was even able to mock Gyokeres with his celebration.
Riccardo Calafiori – 6
The Italian left-back was unable to maraud forward a great deal in the manner that he can to great effect, but was solid defensively.
Thomas Partey – 6
Thomas Partey helped Arsenal to dominate possession and territory throughout the first half. However, the Ghanaian midfielder’s age showed at times as he was overrun by a resurgent Sporting side after the break.
Martin Odegaard – 8
Martin Odegaard ran the show for Arsenal in the first half. The Norwegian playmaker found space routinely and pulled strings to create opening for his teammates.
Odegaard is Arsenal’s most important player, and he elevates the side to a whole new level when fit and firing on all cylinders.
Declan Rice – 6
Declan Rice has struggled with a knock recently, but returned to the starting XI for this fixture. There were some signs of rustiness, particularly in the final third, but the former West Ham United man will have benefitted from the minutes he got out on the pitch.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Saka caused problems for Sporting throughout, and demonstrated his remarkable composure to step up and convert from the penalty spot in the second half to put the result beyond doubt.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
The Brazilian winger was a constant pest to the hosts’ backline thoughout his time on the pitch, repeatedly making runs into dangerous areas. Martinelli was able to bag the first goal of the night, which will have provided a welcome confidence boost.
Kai Havertz – 7
Havertz faded after the break, as Sporting grew into the game, but he led the line expertly in the first half and deserved his goal.
Substitutes
Mikel Merino – 6
Leandro Trossard – 7
Ethan Nwaneri – 6
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6
Jakub Kiwior – 6
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