Mikel Arteta's side struck five times in Lisbon while keeping Europe's hottest striker under wraps at the back
Arsenal bounced back from defeat last time out in the Champions League as they handed Sporting CP their first defeat of the campaign with a dominant 5-1 win on Tuesday.
Having lost to Inter on matchday four, the Gunners couldn't afford to drop anymore points as they look to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase, and they made a perfect start as Gabriel Martinelli latched onto Jurrien Timber's low cross to tap in after just seven minutes.
Mikel Arteta's side made all the running throughout the first half, and doubled their lead midway through the opening 45 minutes as Kai Havertz finished into an empty net after Bukayo Saka beat goalkeeper Franco Israel to Thomas Partey's pass over the top. Gabriel Magalhaes then made it three with the final touch before the break as he powered a close-range header home from a corner.
Sporting eventually sprang into life after half-time, and found the net within two minutes of the restart as Goncalo Inacio forced the ball home at the near post from a corner. However, their hopes of a comeback were extinguished just past the hour mark as Martin Odegaard was fouled by Ousmane Diomande inside the box and Saka converted the penalty.
Leandro Trossard added a late fifth after Mikel Merino's shot was parried into his path, as Arsenal put the rest of Europe on notice with a victory over one of the continent's most impressive teams so far this season.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Estadio Jose Alvalade…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (7/10):
Made strong saves to deny Quenda and Morita either side of half-time, and again to keep out Hjulmand later in the game. Commanded his box well, and had no chance with Inacio's deflected goal.
Jurrien Timber (8/10):
Excellent in the first half as he combined well with Saka and Odegaard. Superb low cross created Martinelli's opener. Also strong in defence.
William Saliba (8/10):
Dealt well with Gyokeres on the rare occasion the striker came over to his side. Never looked fazed even when Sporting threatened a second-half comeback.
Gabriel Magalhaes (9/10):
Far too physical for Gyokeres as he constantly forced him away from goal and stole the ball off the striker. Scored his now trademark header from a corner, too.
Riccardo Calafiori (5/10):
Troubled on occasion by Quenda's directness and lost Inacio for Sporting's goal. Looked a little rusty.
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Declan Rice (7/10):
Was in constant motion during the first half, which allowed him to constantly pick up the ball in space and get Arsenal moving forward. Fine set-piece delivery created Gabriel's goal.
Thomas Partey (8/10):
Ran the game in the first half as he bullied the Sporting midfield and used the ball intelligently. Superb chipped ball over the top got Saka in behind for the second goal.
Martin Odegaard (9/10):
Absolutely outstanding, particularly in the first half. Played some outrageous passes in the final third, and then made the run that led to the penalty that eased the Gunners' second-half nerves.
AFPAttack
Bukayo Saka (8/10):
Caused Araujo plenty of problems as he constantly darted inside to threaten the Sporting goal. Pace got him in behind to create the second goal, and scored the fourth himself from the penalty spot.
Kai Havertz (7/10):
Couldn't miss for his goal, and showed some nice touches around the penalty area, especially when playing in Odegaard in the build-up to the penalty.
Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):
Tap-in got the ball rolling early on, and had a couple of nice moments thereafter, even if he was quieter than his fellow forwards.
AFPSubs & Manager
Leandro Trossard (6/10):
Couldn't miss after Merino's saved shot came to him inside the six-yard box.
Mikel Merino (6/10):
Had a couple of loose touches, but was involved for the fifth goal.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):
Replaced Calafiori for the final 15 minutes.
Ethan Nwaneri (6/10):
Had a couple of nice touches in his short cameo.
Jakub Kiwior (N/A):
On for Gabriel in the closing stages.
Mikel Arteta (9/10):
Played Sporting at their own game and his side never looked uncomfortable. His players were disciplined out of possession and devastating in attack. A real sign of progress after some underwhelming away days in Europe.
