Sport 0-1 Arsenal: Kai Havertz scores the winning goal in stoppage time to put the Gunners in complete control of the Champions League quarter-final tie.
Arsenal celebrate late winner against Sporting
Kai Havertz was Arsenal’s super sub during the Gunners’ sensational last-minute win against Sporting Lisbon.
Havertz latched onto Gabriel Martinelli’s through ball and scored the winning goal in stoppage time with a stunning smash and grab, putting Arsenal into pole position and a place in the Champions League semi-finals. This ends Arsenal’s losing streak at just two, and could help improve the overall mood and make them believe they can finally win the double.
The divine Arsenal fans celebrated wildly when Havertz scored a late goal to end Sporting Lisbon’s winning streak on 17 and seal a very impressive win. Gunners keeper David Raya was also a hero, making three brilliant saves to deny Maxi Artaujo, Francisco Trincao and Jenny Katamo.
The Gunners have had to ride their luck at times, but this was a performance full of heroism and defiance to put their dismal results behind them. Arteta’s pre-match message was that his players were “hunger than ever” and there was no need to “panic” despite Arsenal’s season being in jeopardy.
The quadruple suddenly became a double, which in any other season would be considered a major accomplishment. But the bigger worry is that everything will blow over.
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Consecutive defeats to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and Southampton’s exit from the FA Cup meant that tensions crept in no matter what Arteta said.
The 52,000-capacity Estadio Jose Alvalade is a daunting place to be at the best of times, but Sporting could smell blood. It was bigger than ever and their home record was very impressive.
Sporting have won all five of their Champions League home games this season, including defeating reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain, taking their spin to 17 home wins.
Gökeres returned to the club and had an incredibly prolific two seasons with Sporting, scoring 97 goals in 102 appearances, and was well received, albeit with considerable trepidation, when he turned up for the pre-match warm-up.
This is unusual territory for Sporting as well, as this is only their second Champions League quarter-final and they have never reached the last four.
David Raya makes a great save early on to keep the score level.
Whatever happened in Arsenal’s last two games, there was still a big chance for this draw, but Sporting could sense the tension in Arteta’s men.
Sports have increased the volume and pressure. Ousmane Diomande broke through Arsenal’s creaky defense with a brilliant pass and Maxi Araujo unleashed a scorching 20-yard shot that keeper David Raya touched the crossbar.
That was an incredible blunder. But perhaps it also served as a wake-up call. It felt like Arsenal did their best to slow the game down, quiet the home crowd and dominate the ball.
They also returned to an old reliable tactic: set pieces. Noni Madueke turned in a corner and Sporting keeper Rui Silva missed the ball, hitting the bar. Martin Odegaard followed up with a shot wide of the target.
Arsenal didn’t have a shot on target until the 42nd minute, with Odegaard’s shot effortlessly saved by Silva. But in reality, Arsenal were growing into the match after a nervy start.
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Now, it was the Sporting fans who started getting irritated and frustrated. They blew the whistle when Arsenal started taking more corners, but it took them forever to actually get the ball into the box.
Noni Madueke did his best with set-pieces and Odegaard tried to adjust the game, much to the delight of the traveling Arsenal fans left stranded in the air.
Arsenal’s night looked to be getting better as Martin Zvimendi brought the ball into the net. However, VAR intervened and the match was ruled out for a clear offside on Gokeres in the build-up.
Martin Zvimendi thought he had scored the opening goal, but the goal was ruled out by VAR.
However, Arsenal were beginning to regain their old form once again. They looked calm, controlled and back to being the team that was in this position to begin with.
And after Havertz’s last-gasp heroics, Arsenal were finally able to celebrate with their fans. The season is once again on the upswing as they take pole position and aim to advance to the semi-finals.
John Cross, the Mirror’s chief football writer, was at the Estadio Jose Alvalade to assess the performance of Arsenal’s players.
Arsenal vs Sporting player ratings (4-3-3)
david raya
We beat Sporting with some great early saves. It laid the foundation for a late-game winner. 8.MOTM.
ben white
Looks vulnerable and vulnerable. Sporting clearly targeted his lack of confidence. 5
William Saliba
He engaged in a fierce physical battle with Sporting’s forwards and almost won. 7
Gabriel
He made 250 appearances for Arsenal and developed into such an influential player. 7
Riccardo Calafioli
This was the exciting aspect of Calafioli. It’s about bombing forward, turning things around, and pushing the game forward. 7
Martin Zvimendi
Better. His recent drop in form was worrying, but he stuck to his task and had a really good goal brutally denied. 6
Declan Rice
Declan Rice returns to Arsenal’s midfield after missing the game against Southampton
Although he returned from injury after completing his international duty, his influence could be felt. Calmness, dignity, and tenacity. 7
Martin Odegaard
Looking hungry and determined, the Arsenal captain was always busy looking for the ball. 7
Noni Maduke
Lively and decisive, he caused problems on the right flank and provided excellent set-pieces. 8
Leandro Trossard
Very quiet and relaxing atmosphere. They struggled to make things happen and looked far below their best. 5
Victor Gokeres
He received good reviews upon his return, but lacked the threat he showed at Sporting. 6
Victor Goqueres remained silent about his former club
substitute
Kai Havertz (Odegaard, 70 years old): How often does he come? The coolest man in Lisbon who broke the hearts of his home fans. 8
Gabriel Martinelli (Trossard, 76): A great invention that made Havertz a winner. 7
Max Dauman (Madueke representative, 76 years old): It didn’t take him long to make an impact. 6
Unused subs: Arrizabalaga, Ranson, Mosquera, Luis Skelly, Salmon, Norgaard, Jesus.
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