Arsenal delivered a superb performance at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Tuesday evening, thrashing Sporting CP 5-1 in the Champions League.
The Gunners wasted no time asserting their dominance in Lisbon. Gabriel’s stoppage-time header in the first half, along with tap-ins from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz, put Sporting on the back foot as they took control. A stellar first-half display gave Arsenal the cushion they needed, despite Goncalo Inacio’s effort to pull one back. Bukayo Saka’s penalty and Leandro Trossard’s header in the second half sealed a commanding win for the North London club.
How the game unfolded:
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Arsenal were well aware of Sporting’s quality, especially after the Portuguese champions’ stunning victory over Manchester City before the international break. However, the absence of Sporting’s manager Ruben Amorim—now at Manchester United—had a significant impact on the home side’s performance.
Arsenal took advantage of Sporting’s sluggish start. In the seventh minute, Jurrien Timber’s brilliant cross found Martinelli at the far post, and the Brazilian made no mistake in tapping home. Arsenal then doubled their lead midway through the first half when Thomas Partey’s precise pass released Bukayo Saka. Saka’s cross to Havertz allowed the German to tap in from close range. Sporting were struggling to cope with Arsenal’s attacking intensity.
Mikel Arteta’s side continued to dominate with a well-organized press, and they ended the first half with a comfortable 3-0 lead. A perfectly executed corner from Declan Rice was met by Gabriel, who powered a header past the goalkeeper to make it three.
Sporting showed signs of life early in the second half when Inacio pulled one back with a near-post flick from a corner, giving the home crowd a glimmer of hope. However, Sporting failed to build on that momentum, and when Ousmane Diomande fouled Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal were awarded a penalty. Saka converted confidently, firing low and hard past the goalkeeper to restore Arsenal’s three-goal lead.
Sporting threatened again through Morten Hjulmand’s inventive effort, but it was Trossard who sealed the win in the 82nd minute. Substitute Mikel Merino’s shot was saved, and Trossard reacted quickly to head home the rebound.
Trossard’s goal capped a brilliant away performance for Arsenal, marking their first Champions League away win of the season. The scoreline was a fair reflection of their dominance as they cruised to an emphatic victory over a struggling Sporting side.