After enjoying a resurgence in European football, **Arsenal**showed so by demolishing Sporting Lisbon 5-1 in the UEFA Champions League. Even more impressive was that for the Gunners. It was a game that has proven difficult to break down in previous away games. They showed their attacking prowess with the win, also reinforcing ambitions of making the knockout stages of the tournament.
Arsenal’s 1-5 win over Sporting was a credit to Arsenal’s improvements this season. But on Tuesday, they entered the match knowing they were fighting for a strong showing. To ramp up their chances in the Champions League.
Previously, the Gunners were yet to score in their last four European road matches. But they made that turn decisively at Estádio José Alvalade. Where after three goals perhaps too many eventually at the end of the half. On a counterattack, they did achieve five goals for the first time in a Champions League away game since 2008.
It started as Arsenal took control from the off. Gabriel Martinelli fired the opener. After a tame Jurriën Timber cross had caught the Colts’ defence out after just seven minutes. Arsenal’s aggressive play was set in stone by its early goal.
Then Bukayo Saka cleverly found Kai Havertz unmarked and the Chelsea forward doubled the lead in the 22nd minute. Sporting were trailing 3-0 at the break, with Gabriel Magalhães adding a third from Declan Rice’s corner just before halftime.
Lukas Hradecky made a save in the 47th minute. Stopping Gonçalo Inácio’s volley from a corner, and Sporting counterstriking quickly with a goal ten minutes later. As the Swede saved from Gonçalo Guedes. Arsenal promptly kicked into gear after this moment briefly raised hopes for the home side, but briefly.
https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1861527671684858139
Arsenal thrash Sporting
The three-goal cushion was restored halfway through the second half. When Bukayo Saka converted a penalty after he was fouled in the box. Rogers capped the scoring late in the game when his shot from. Mikel Merino was parried by Sporting Gijón goalkeeper Rubén Pérez and Léandro Trossard nodded in the rebound.
While it is a significant three points this victory is bigger than that. It proves Arsenal is back to its best on the European stage. Now well placed for qualification, into the knockout rounds, of the competition, Mikel Arteta’s team. Performances like this one against Sporting give Arsenal momentum both domestically and internationally.
Past that, Arsenal face West Ham in the Premier League next. A great performance there could also help boost them in both leagues and their confidence. If they continue to play like this then they could be real contenders. To go far not just elsewhere in Europe but also at the top of the Premier League.
Experts said that Arsenal’s ability to score goals and defend well would be crucial. When the club face tougher opposition in the run-up. Together with players like Martin Ødegaard who plays such a big role against Sporting. Or Saka and Havertz who helped in the attack, it’s a solid offensive lineup that can be strong enough to challenge any defense.
Arteta masterclass
Furthermore, Arteta’s tactical changes throughout the games have also worked. In northern Italy, however, his blasting approach to keeping pressure on his opponents, and not allowing them to settle, has paid off, particularly during the team’s recent performance when they took control so easily.
Arsenal, though, already has ten points in the Champions League group stage, and has improved standing in domestic competitions that place the north London side able to make a major impact this season. The players take heart from that and look to build on that success both at home and in Europe.
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