Arsenal will play in back-to-back UEFAChampions League**** semi-finals for the first time after a 1-0 aggregate victory over Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon.
The Gunners coughed and spluttered their way to a tie with the awaiting Atletico Madrid, who will be keen to enact revenge after a 4-0 defeat to Mikel Arteta’s side earlier in the season.
In a game of few chances, Arsenal were defensively sound, which proved crucial after another turgid attacking display posed little threat to Sporting.
It is Manchester City up next for the Gunners, but what were the key takeaways from the game?
Arsenal’s attacking fluency was to be desired
The midweek game at the Emirates was certainly a frustrating one for the attacking players on the pitch and also for the fans watching in the stadium and around the world.
When you consider that Bayern Munich were hosting Real Madrid in what ended up being a 4-3 thriller, Arsenal fans can be forgiven for wanting more attacking play.
Arsenal attacking against Sporting Lisbon in Champions League quarter-final at Emirates Stadium
(Credit: Mike Hewitt/ GettyImages)
The Gunners lined up with a front three of Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke. Both Martinelli and Gyokeres were sub-par and once again posed little threat when lining up together.
Defensively, the Brazilian was phenomenal and even prevented the visitors from having a potential one-on-one situation as he put in a superb tackle on Geny Catamo.
However, Arsenal must improve in the final third if they are to progress any further in the competition.
Poor ball progression hindered the Gunners
However, the blame cannot fall solely on the attacking players. Arsenal’s frontmen have few chances due to the ball not reaching them quickly enough.
When presented with a line-breaking passing opportunity or quick counter-attack, the Gunners’ midfielders have often been too slow to release the ball.
Martin Zubimendi is one player who has come under fire from Arsenal fans in recent weeks. Man of the match in the second leg, he proved his worth on a defensive footing, but he has often dwelt on the ball for far too long.
Arsenal midfield in action during Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon
(Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/ GettyImages)
Against Sporting, Arteta’s side seemed happy to absorb pressure rather than look to kill off the game. They did craft out 15 shots, but most were high and wide, and the sole effort on target was a comfortable save for Rui Silva.
As the Champions League progresses and the Premier League nears its conclusion, Arsenal must look to kill off their opponents.
The contingent of midfielders must look to feed their attacking teammates in order for the Gunners to claim silverware.
The defence stood firm
Despite the problems further up the pitch, Arsenal were largely untroubled on a defensive front.
In particular, Piero Hincapie rose to the challenge of marking Catamo. The winger almost scored with a brilliant outside-of-the-foot shot, but aside from that, he was contained well.
Hincapie’s return comes at a crucial time. Riccardo Calafiori has struggled with injury, so added depth could help the Italian manage his fitness.
Gabriel and William Saliba contained the prolific Luis Suarez. Gyokeres’ replacement has had a season akin to the two that the Swede spent in Portugal, but had no opportunity to score at the Emirates.
Arsenal defence standing firm against Sporting Lisbon in Champions League quarter-final
(Credit: Mike Hewitt/ GettyImages)
Cristhian Mosquera was the only Gunner defender to struggle at times. The Spaniard was playing as a right back and often had to make last-ditch challenges to fend off Pedro Goncalves. However, the defender grew into the game and helped his side to a well-earned clean sheet.
Do Arsenal stand a chance against Manchester City?
The weekend sees Arsenal face Manchester City in a matchup of the big rivals. Just a few weeks ago, City inflicted a 2-0 loss on the Gunners in the Carabao Cup final.
Since that defeat, Arteta’s side have done little to convince fans that the title showdown at the Etihad Stadium will go any differently.
If the Gunners can secure victory at their hosts for the first time since 2016, then they will likely lift the title. If they lose, then Pep Guardiola’s side will smell blood and likely close the gap to goal difference.
One thing that must change is the performance. Elite-level displays have been hard to come by since the turn of the year, but this has to be the time to deliver one.