Arsenal through to the Champions League semifinal
Arteta played a very safe game
The player’s rating
Arsenal through to the Champions League semi-finals after a 0-0 draw with Sporting CP. Kai Havertz’s first-leg goal was enough to take the Gunners through on aggregate. Moreover, Mikel Arteta’s hope of a double is alive.
The game was very slow, with Arsenal playing very cautiously. The North London side created little, with only a mid-first-half effort from Victor Gyokeres and a late long-range attempt from Eze before the break. Sporting tested the side but could not find a proper breakthrough past the defense. However, the hosts almost took the lead in the final minutes of the second half with substitute Trossard’s header hitting the post.
This is a huge morale boost for the Gunners after a rough patch. Whatever Arteta said, his side did enough to book their place in the semi-final yet again.
Arsenal player rating vs Sporting CP
David Raya- 5
Made a few errors, but was not affected in most of the game.
Cristhian Mosquera-6
Did his part by securing the ball using physicality, but lacked some technique.
William Saliba- 6.5
Not the game that was expected, as he misplaced many passes
Gabriel Magalhães- 7
Portrayed the defensive responsibilities needed with very few mistakes
Piero Hincapié – 7
Kept the left line clear of danger for most parts. Additionally, played the role of a second left winger very well.
Martin Zubimendi- 6
Was mostly distributing the ball and lacked confidence. Tried to get into attacks, attempting a few crosses.
Declan Rice- 7.5
The captain was involved in every part of the game, from attack to defense, and even made clearances.
Noni Madueke- 5
Could not get past the players convincingly and got injured despite wearing a knee pad. However, his attempt to score hit the side netting.
Eberechi Eze- 7.5
A very good return from injury as the player seemed more involved in the game.
Gabriel Martinelli- 6
He moved quickly between attack and defence, but with no real impact at either end.
Victor Gyokeres- 3
Poor from the start and failed to show any form of the feared striker he used to be against his former side.
Subs
Kai Havertz- 5
Was pushing the visitors to create errors, but could not take advantage of them.
Max Downman- 6
The teenager’s energy was useful to create more corners.
Gabriel Jesus- N/A
Did not create enough impact
Leandro Trossard-6
Hit the post from a corner
Man of the Match
The award could go to either Eze or Rice for being in the game throughout their on-field presence. But no one was particularly standout.