Arsenal delivered a commanding 5-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday, showcasing their revival in style and strengthening their push to secure a Champions League last-16 spot.
Mikel Arteta’s side, buoyed by a recent 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, dismantled the Portuguese champions with goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard. Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio provided a brief response, but the gulf in class was evident throughout.
The win moves Arsenal into seventh place in the revamped Champions League format, with the top eight progressing automatically to the knockout stages.
Martinelli opened the scoring in the 7th minute, converting a precise cross from Jurrien Timber. Later, a clever pass from Thomas Partey set up Saka, whose delivery allowed Havertz to slot home Arsenal’s second.
On the stroke of halftime, Gabriel Magalhaes powered in a header, capitalising on Declan Rice’s pinpoint corner. Meanwhile, Inacio volleyed home for Sporting after a defensive lapse, but hopes of a comeback were dashed when Saka’s penalty restored Arsenal’s cushion.
To wrap up the win for Arsenal, a spilt save by Sporting keeper Franco Israel allowed Trossard to nod in Arsenal’s fifth.
The emphatic win marked Arsenal’s first away Champions League victory in six matches and came as stark contrast to their 1-0 loss to Inter Milan earlier in the competition.
Sporting, unbeaten in 18 games prior, struggled under new coach Joao Pereira, who took charge after Ruben Amorim’s departure.
