Kai Havertz was Arsenal’s savior in the closing stages (Image: Getty)
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will take a slim 1-0 advantage back to the capital after a poor game against Portuguese side Sporting. Substitute Kai Havertz broke Sporting’s heart with a late strike in stoppage time, putting Arsenal in a strong position to advance to the semi-finals.
To the disdain of their traveling fans and those watching around the world, Arsenal picked up where they left off in their last two games, and for no good reason. Just five minutes into the game, Maximiliano Araujo’s sharp shot from the edge of the box rattled the crossbar, and replays showed the ball was touched by the returning David Raya. As expected, set-pieces were Arsenal’s biggest threat, but this was another highlight of the visiting team’s performance.
Martin Zvimendi found the back of the net midway through the second half for a stunning goal, but Victor Gökeres was offside in the build-up. Raya once again made some great saves to keep the scores level, before substitute Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz combined perfectly in stoppage time to give Arsenal a late victory. Express Sport will publish player ratings after each win.
There is an argument that if the Spanish goalkeeper had played in Arsenal’s last two games, Arsenal would have already won the trophy and still be chasing a quadruple title. While some great saves in the opening five minutes kept the scores level, his overall presence made Arsenal even better. Backed it up with another couple of belters in the second half.
Speaking of drop-offs, there is certainly one in the right-back department right now. Julian Timber has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season, but his substitutes are no match. It looked unstable all night.
They looked shaky at times in possession, but had little problem when called upon to defend against a fairly toothless Sporting attack.
As well as a reliable centre-back partner, the Brazilian was comfortable whenever called upon in the defensive department. If Arsenal advance, it will be another difficult night ahead.
Arguably the most tested of Arsenal’s defenders, Suarez, Francisco Trincao and Jenny Katamo work well together. Suarez’s chance created in the closing stages left them in tatters, but they would have been relieved if they had left Lisbon with a clean sheet.
It looked like he might have broken the deadlock with a stylish shot from the edge of the penalty area, but the celebrations were cut short when offside was confirmed in the build-up.
They continued to improve in midfield and were on hand to wipe out any Sporting counterattacks. It’s very important for everything Arsenal want to do.
Martin Odegaard lacked sparkle in Arsenal’s midfield (Image: Getty)
Arsenal fans were heartbroken when their captain collapsed in the second half with what appeared to be a re-injury. However, his impact on the game was limited and Arsenal lacked Eberechi Eze’s creativity in the final third.
He had a chance to make an impact following the news that Bukayo Saka was left out of the squad due to injury, but he has filled some promising positions.
He was too late to go back onside for what would have been Zvimendi’s first goal, but he spearheaded the attack.
Arteta played tenaciously with the Belgian and his workload was second to none in Arsenal’s squad, but the north Londoners needed more in attack. Martinelli was replaced too late.
He wasn’t particularly impressive in front of goal, but his sharp running and calm finishing were exactly what Arsenal needed to secure victory. Arteta’s thoughts would have been given a penny considering Gokeres once again struggled.
If he had been active off the bench, he would have definitely cherished this experience.
Indeed, Arsenal lacked attacking power. The winger came off the bench, started taking risks, and was well-deserved.
