Arsenal’s comeback to form continued with a 5-1 demolition of Sporting on Tuesday evening.
Arsenal came to Lisbon after a 3-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest, which appeared to stop their bad run of results under manager Mikel Arteta.
Saturday’s win was only their third in seven games, their first in four, and their first in the league since defeating Southampton 3-1 in October.
On Tuesday, the Gunners led 3-0 at halftime with goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Maglahaes.
Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio scored immediately after the break, but the visitors swiftly regained control with goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard.
Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN was in Lisbon for Arsenal’s thrashing victory and can tell you who impressed and who had a night to forget.
Bukayo Saka was on target for Arsenal as the visitors secured a 5-1 victory over Sporting
The Gunners flew out of the blocks and consolidated their advantage in the second half
Sporting got one back after the break through Goncalo Inacio before the visitors retook control
ARSENAL (4-3-3):
David Raya: 6.5
Did brilliantly to tip over Geovany Quenda’s shot before halftime. Goncalo Inacio beat him near the post. It was a good finish to come in at a speed. Booked for time wastage.
Jurien Timber: 7
It began with a beautiful assist for Gabriel Martinelli at seven minutes. Controlled the tempo on the right side and allowed Bukayo Saka to wander freely.
William Saliba: 7.5
His pace proved too much for Sporting’s forward line. Even when he was out of position, he’d figure out how to get back in time.
Gabriel: 8.
Dealt well with in-form Viktor Gyokeres, physically pressing himself on the striker whenever possible. I finished with a goal, then mimicked Gyokeres’ celebration.
Ricardo Calafiori: 6.5
Made progress in the offensive third. His defensive shortcomings were occasionally mitigated by the center backs. Goncalo Inacio beat him to the ball following a corner kick that was scored.
Martin Odegaard: 8.
Kept seeking for deadly passes in the last third, which contributed significantly to Arsenal’s three-goal lead at halftime. Another excellent performance, which also resulted in a penalty for Arsenal.
Thomas Parey: 7.5.
A peaceful presence in the middle is the cornerstone for a successful outcome. I played a fantastic ball to Saka, who set up Kai Havertz for the goal.
DECLAN RICE (6.5)
Not a bad performance, but not at the same level as his teammates. Slightly off the pace in the middle.
Gabriel Magalhaes dealt with Viktor Gyokeres – whose celebration he mocked after scoring at the end of the first half
Thomas Partey provided a calming presence in the midfield which laid the foundations for a thumping win
Saka was the best player on the pitch once again and put in a complete display for a goal and assist
BUKAYO SAKA: 8.5
The winger’s personal accolades continue to impress. Nutmegged goalkeeper Franco Israel to set-up Havertz, and later struck his penalty home expertly. A goal and an assist. Complete display.
KAI HAVERTZ: 6.5
Stayed lively around the box and pulled the opposition backlines in different directions to the benefit of team-mates. Got a goal via a tap-in. Should have done better with an Odegaard chipped pass in first half.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6.5
Got his goal early on with a tap-in at the back post. A more tamed second half for him, with the Gunners having a three-goal lead to protect.
Manager – MIKEL ARTETA: 7
Arsenal were on a poor Champions League away run — but he obliterated that with a display full of ruthlessness. His team also didn’t shy away when Sporting got their goal.
SPORTING (3-4-2-1): Israel 5.5; St Juste 5.5, Diomande 5, Inacio 6; Quenda 6.5, Morita 5.5, Hjulmand 5.5, Araujo 5; Trincao 5.5, Edwards 5.5; Gyokeres 6.5.