Arsenal delivered a commanding 5-1 victory over Sporting CP at the Estádio José Alvalade, cementing their credentials as Champions League contenders. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhães, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard ensured Mikel Arteta’s side overwhelmed their Portuguese opponents in a comprehensive display.
Dominance in Lisbon
Arsenal wasted no time asserting their dominance. Within seven minutes, Jurrien Timber’s pinpoint cross found Martinelli at the far post, and the Brazilian tapped in to give the Gunners an early lead. The visitors doubled their advantage midway through the half when Thomas Partey’s incisive pass released Saka, who squared the ball for Havertz to finish from close range.
Sporting, reeling from the recent departure of manager Rúben Amorim, struggled to respond. Arsenal capitalised on their disorganisation, with Gabriel rising unmarked to head home Declan Rice’s corner just before the break, giving the Premier League side a commanding 3-0 lead.
Second-Half Resilience
The hosts showed brief signs of life after the interval. Gonçalo Inácio’s header from a corner reduced the deficit, but any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Bukayo Saka converted a penalty after Martin Ødegaard was fouled in the box. The England international’s cool finish restored Arsenal’s three-goal cushion.
Leandro Trossard added the fifth, reacting quickest to a rebound from Mikel Merino’s powerful shot, sealing a statement win for the Gunners.
Arsenal Starting XI :
- David Raya (GK): 7.5
- Jurrien Timber (RB): 8
- William Saliba (CB): 7
- Gabriel Magalhães (CB): 8
- Riccardo Calafiori (LB): 6.5
- Thomas Partey (CM): 7
- Declan Rice (CM): 7.5
- Martin Ødegaard (CM): 8
- Bukayo Saka (RW): 9
- Kai Havertz (ST): 8
- Gabriel Martinelli (LW): 7.7
Substitutes:
- Leandro Trossard: 7.0
- Mikel Merino: 6.1
- Ethan Nwaneri: 6.4
- Oleksandr Zinchenko: 6.0
