Arsenal’s return to form continued with a dominant 5-1 thrashing of Sporting on Tuesday evening.
The Gunners travelled to Lisbon on the back of a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League that seemed to a herald an end to Mikel Arteta’s side’s poor run of results.
Saturday’s victory had been just a third win in seven and a first in four games, and the first in the league since beating Southampton 3-1 in October.
Yet Tuesday saw the Gunners get back among the goals, leading 3-0 at the break thanks to goals by Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Maglahaes.
Sporting pulled one back just after the interval through Goncalo Inacio, but the visitors quickly reasserted their authority, Bukayo Saka netting from the spot before Leandro Trossard made it five late on.
For what was a thumping win for Arsenal, Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN was in attendance in the Portuguese capital to take you through who impressed and who had a night to forget.
Bukayo Saka was on target for Arsenal as the visitors secured a 5-1 victory over Sporting
The Gunners flew out of the blocks and consolidated their advantage in the second half
Sporting got one back after the break through Goncalo Inacio before the visitors retook control
ARSENAL (4-3-3):
DAVID RAYA: 6.5
Did well to tip over Geovany Quenda’s effort before half-time. Beaten at the near-post by Goncalo Inacio. It was a good finish coming in at pace. Booked for time-wasting.
JURRIEN TIMBER: 7
Started with an excellent assist for Gabriel Martinelli on seven minutes. Controlled the tempo on that right side and gave Bukayo Saka the licence to roam freely.
WILLIAM SALIBA: 7.5
His pace was too much for Sporting’s forward line. Even when out of position, he’d find a way to get back in time.
GABRIEL: 8
Dealt well with the in-form Viktor Gyokeres, physically imposing himself on the striker at every opportunity. Topped it off with a goal — before mimicking Gyokeres’ celebration.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI: 6.5
Made in-roads in the offensive third. His defensive profligacies at times were covered by the centre backs. Beaten to the ball by Goncalo Inacio off a corner-kick which was scored.
MARTIN ODEGAARD: 8
Kept on looking for killer passes in the final third and was a big part of why Arsenal were three up by the break. Another top display — and won the Gunners a penalty, too.
THOMAS PARTEY: 7.5
A calm presence in the middle and the foundations to a good result. Played a top pass to Saka, who released Kai Havertz for his goal.
DECLAN RICE: 6.5
Not a bad display, but not to the elevated levels of his team-mates. Slightly off the pace in the middle.
Gabriel Magalhaes dealt with Viktor Gyokeres – whose celebration he mocked after scoring at the end of the first half
Thomas Partey provided a calming presence in the midfield which laid the foundations for a thumping win
Saka was the best player on the pitch once again and put in a complete display for a goal and assist
BUKAYO SAKA: 8.5
The winger’s personal accolades continue to impress. Nutmegged goalkeeper Franco Israel to set-up Havertz, and later struck his penalty home expertly. A goal and an assist. Complete display.
KAI HAVERTZ: 6.5
Stayed lively around the box and pulled the opposition backlines in different directions to the benefit of team-mates. Got a goal via a tap-in. Should have done better with an Odegaard chipped pass in first half.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6.5
Got his goal early on with a tap-in at the back post. A more tamed second half for him, with the Gunners having a three-goal lead to protect.
Manager – MIKEL ARTETA: 7
Arsenal were on a poor Champions League away run — but he obliterated that with a display full of ruthlessness. His team also didn’t shy away when Sporting got their goal.
SPORTING (3-4-2-1): Israel 5.5; St Juste 5.5, Diomande 5, Inacio 6; Quenda 6.5, Morita 5.5, Hjulmand 5.5, Araujo 5; Trincao 5.5, Edwards 5.5; Gyokeres 6.5.
