Arsenal and Sporting CP played out a tense and closely contested match in the Europa League group stage. With both teams looking to secure their qualification to the knockout stages, there was a lot at stake for both sides.
The game started off slowly, with neither side able to create any clear-cut chances in the opening stages of the match. However, as the game progressed, both teams began to push forward and look for the opening goal.
Arsenal were the first to come close to scoring, with Alexandre Lacazette hitting the post with a powerful shot. However, Sporting were not to be outdone and responded with some dangerous attacks of their own.
As the game reached the 74th minute, Arsenal were awarded a penalty after a handball inside the box. The responsibility fell on the shoulders of Gabriel Martinelli to convert the spot-kick and give Arsenal the lead.
However, the Brazilian youngster missed the penalty, with Sporting goalkeeper Renan Ribeiro making a superb save to keep the scores level. This proved to be a crucial moment in the game, as Arsenal were unable to find the breakthrough in the final stages of the match.
As the final whistle blew, the game ended in a goalless draw, with both teams having to settle for a point each. This result meant that Arsenal missed out on the chance to secure their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League and would have to wait until their next game to try and progress.
Player Ratings:
Arsenal:
Bernd Leno – 7/10
The German shot-stopper had a relatively quiet night, but made a crucial save to deny Sporting in the second half. He was solid when called upon and distributed the ball well.
Hector Bellerin – 6/10
The Spaniard looked shaky at times and was caught out of position on a few occasions. However, he made some good defensive interventions when required and was a threat going forward.
Rob Holding – 7/10
Holding put in a solid defensive display and made some important interceptions and clearances throughout the game. He also looked comfortable on the ball and distributed it well.
Shkodran Mustafi – 6/10
The German defender was solid at the back, but looked uncomfortable on the ball at times. He made some important clearances and tackles, but also made some careless errors.
Sead Kolasinac – 6/10
Kolasinac struggled to make much of an impact going forward, but put in a solid defensive display. He made some good tackles and clearances, but could have done better with his distribution.
Granit Xhaka – 7/10
The Swiss midfielder was a dominant presence in the middle of the park and dictated the play well. He made some good passes and interceptions and looked comfortable in possession.
Lucas Torreira – 6/10
The Uruguayan midfielder had a quiet game by his standards, but put in a solid defensive display. He made some good tackles and was always looking to win the ball back.
Aaron Ramsey – 6/10
The Welsh midfielder was not at his best and struggled to make an impact in the final third. He did put in a good defensive shift and worked hard for the team.
Danny Welbeck – 5/10
The English striker struggled to make an impact in the game and was often isolated up front. He did put in a good shift defensively, but was unable to create any clear chances for his team.
Alexandre Lacazette – 7/10
The French striker was Arsenal’s most dangerous player on the night and was unlucky not to score. He hit the post with a powerful shot and caused the Sporting defence problems throughout the game.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5/10
The young Brazilian had an opportunity to be the hero for Arsenal, but missed a crucial penalty. He was also unable to create much else before being substituted.
Sporting CP:
Renan Ribeiro – 8/10
The Sporting goalkeeper was the hero for his team, making a superb save from Gabriel Martinelli’s penalty. He also made some other important saves to keep his team in the game.
Bruno Gaspar – 6/10
The Portuguese defender had a solid game at right-back and made some good interceptions and tackles. He was also a threat going forward on a few occasions.
Coates – 7/10
The Uruguayan defender was rock-solid at the back and made some important tackles and clearances. He also looked comfortable on the ball and distributed it well.
Mathieu – 6/10
The former Arsenal defender put in a solid performance against his former club and made some good interceptions and clearances. He also distributed the ball well.
Acuna – 6/10
The Argentine defender had a solid game at left-back and put in some good tackles and clearances. He was also a threat going forward on a few occasions.
Gudelj – 6/10
The Serbian midfielder had a quiet game, but put in a solid defensive shift. He made some good tackles and was always looking to win the ball back.
Petrovic – 6/10
The Portuguese midfielder had a solid game and put in a good shift defensively. He also looked comfortable on the ball and distributed it well.
Bruno Fernandes – 7/10
The Portuguese midfielder was Sporting’s most dangerous player on the night and caused Arsenal problems throughout the game. He made some good passes and was always looking to create chances.
Diaby – 6/10
The Malian forward had a quiet game and struggled to make an impact in the final third. He did put in a good shift defensively and worked hard for the team.
Nani – 6/10
The former Manchester United winger looked dangerous on a few occasions, but was unable to create any clear chances for his team. He did put in a good defensive shift and worked hard for the team.
Montero – 5/10
The Colombian striker struggled to make an impact in the game and was often isolated up front. He did put in a good shift defensively, but was unable to create any clear chances for his team.
In conclusion, it was a disappointing night for Arsenal, as they missed out on the chance to secure their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League. The missed penalty from Gabriel Martinelli proved to be a crucial moment in the game, as Arsenal were unable to find the breakthrough in the final stages of the match. Nonetheless, Arsenal have another chance to progress in the next match and will need to put in a strong performance if they want to qualify for the knockout stages.