Arsenal secured a resounding 5-1 win against Sporting CP at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, November 26. The result sees the Gunners climb to seventh place with 10 points from five games, while Sporting sit in eighth place below them with the same points but inferior goal difference.
Mikel Arteta fielded a full-strength Arsenal lineup for the first time in several weeks, and his team made an electric start to the contest. Gabriel Martinelli handed the visitors a dream start as he made it 1-0 in the seventh minute, courtesy of a Jurrien Timber assist. The Gunners were relentless and barely allowed Sporting any possession of the ball.
Arsenal doubled their lead in the 22nd minute, with Kai Havertz scoring from an assist by Bukayo Saka. They attempted a total of nine shots in an eventful first half, with five of those on target. Sporting, meanwhile, managed just one shot on target from two attempts. Things went from bad to worse for the hosts as they conceded a third goal on the cusp of half-time, courtesy of a Declan Rice corner that found Gabriel Magalhaes, who nodded the ball into the net.
The Gunners continued their dominance in the second half, with Goncalo Inacio scoring for Sporting from an assist by Francisco Trincao, giving the home crowd a glimmer of hope. However, this high was short-lived, as Ousmane Diomande fouled Martin Odegaard, allowing Saka to step up and score from the penalty spot.
The score remained 4-1 until the 82nd minute, when Leandro Trossard came off the bench and scored a simple header into an open net. The win was a significant boost to Arsenal’s confidence, as they now look to qualify for the top eight in the Champions League.
The team’s player ratings reflect their dominant performance, with Bukayo Saka being named the player of the match for his impressive display. David Raya made eight fantastic stops between the sticks, while Jurrien Timber and William Saliba were solid at the back. Martin Odegaard played key passes and won four duels in midfield, while Declan Rice and Thomas Partey also had strong performances.
The win was a resounding statement of intent from Arsenal, as they look to build on their momentum in the coming weeks.
