Gunners secure first away European win of the season in emphatic fashion.
Arsenal stormed to a resounding 5-1 victory over previously unbeaten Sporting Lisbon, earning their first UEFA Champions League away win this season in style. The Gunners, who had struggled to find the net in their last two European outings on the road, were relentless from the start at the Estádio José Alvalade.
Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring in the seventh minute, capitalizing on Jurrien Timber’s precise low cross to slot home. Sporting, who had thrashed Manchester City 4-1 earlier this month, struggled to replicate that form under new coach João Pereira, as Arsenal dominated every aspect of the game.
Kai Havertz doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 22nd minute, deftly finishing Bukayo Saka’s clever pass. On the brink of halftime, Gabriel Magalhães headed in Declan Rice’s corner, effectively sealing the contest before the break.
Sporting briefly fought back early in the second half when Gonçalo Inácio nodded in a corner two minutes after the restart, igniting hopes of a comeback. However, Arsenal weathered the brief surge and restored their three-goal lead in the 65th minute when Bukayo Saka converted a penalty, earned after Martin Ødegaard was brought down in the box.
Substitute Leandro Trossard capped off the night in the 82nd minute, heading in the rebound after Mikel Merino’s shot was parried by Sporting’s goalkeeper.
The victory propels Arsenal into the top eight of the Champions League standings with 10 points from five matches. Sporting, with an identical record, slip to ninth due to an inferior goal difference.
Next, Arsenal will shift focus to the Premier League, visiting West Ham on Saturday evening as they continue their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts.
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