Arsenal’s return to form continued on Tuesday evening with a dominant 5-1 thrashing of Sporting.
The Gunners traveled to Lisbon after a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League which seemed to put an end to Mikel Arteta’s side’s poor results.
Saturday’s win was just a third win in seven and a first in four games, and the first in the competition since beating Southampton 3-1 in October.
Yet the Gunners scored again on Tuesday and led 3-0 at halftime thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Maglahaes.
Sporting pulled a goal back through Goncalo Inacio just after the break, but the visitors quickly confirmed their authority. Bukayo Saka scored from the spot before Leandro Trossard made it five late on.
For what was a huge win for Arsenal, Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN was on hand in the Portuguese capital to show you who impressed and who had a night to forget.
Bukayo Saka was on target for Arsenal as the visitors secured a 5-1 win over Sporting
The Gunners flew out of the blocks and consolidated their lead in the second half
Sporting got one back after the break through Goncalo Inacio before the visitors took control again
ARSENAL (4-3-3):
DAVID RAYA: 6.5
Did well to tip Geovany Quenda’s effort before half time. Beaten at the near post by Goncalo Inacio. It was a good finish that came in on pace. Booked due to wasting time.
JURRIEN HOUT: 7
Started with an excellent assist for Gabriel Martinelli after seven minutes. He controlled the pace on that right side and gave Bukayo Saka the license to run free.
WILLEM SALIBA: 7.5
His pace was too high for the Sporting attacker. Even when he was out of position, he found a way to get back in time.
GABRIEL: 8
He dealt well with the in-form Viktor Gyokeres and imposed himself physically at the striker at every opportunity. Finished it off with a goal, before simulating Gyokeres’ celebration.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI: 6.5
Made in the attacking third. His defensive indiscretions were sometimes covered by the centre-backs. Hit the ball by Goncalo Inacio from a corner kick, which was scored.
MARTIN ODEGAARD: 8
Continued to look for great passes in the final third and was a big part of the reason why Arsenal were three ahead at the break. Another top performance – and it also earned the Gunners a penalty.
THOMAS PARTEY: 7.5
A calm presence in the middle and the foundations for a good result. Played a top pass to Saka, who released Kai Havertz for his goal.
DECLAN RICE: 6.5
Not a bad performance, but not at the high level of his teammates. Slightly off 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 midfield, laying the foundation for a resounding victory
Saka was once again the best player on the pitch and put on a complete show for a goal and assist
BUKAYO SAKA: 8.5
The winger’s personal accolades continue to impress. Nutmeg goalkeeper Franco Israel set up Havertz, and later expertly knocked home his penalty. A goal and an assist. Full view.
KAI HAVERTZ: 6.5
Stayed lively around the penalty area and pulled the opposition backlines in different directions to the benefit of teammates. He scored a goal via a tap-in. Should have done better with a chipped pass from Odegaard in the first half.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6.5
He scored early with a tap at the back post. A more tamed second half for him, with the Gunners having to protect a three-goal lead.
Manager – MIKEL ARTETA: 7
Arsenal were on a bad run in the Champions League but he overturned that with a performance full of ruthlessness. His team also did not shy away when Sporting got the goal.
SPORTY (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.