Bukayo Saka declared, “This is where we belong,” after Arsenal returned to winning form in the Champions League with an emphatic victory over Sporting at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Mikel Arteta’s side displayed dominance throughout what was expected to be a challenging away fixture. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel, Saka, and Leandro Trossard secured the win.
The Gunners’ five-goal haul matched their total from their previous eight Champions League away matches combined, moving them up to seventh in the table.
“We’ve shown the level we can play at,” Saka said. “We know they haven’t lost here this season but we believed in ourselves.
“Everyone was top, I’m really proud of all the boys today.”
Martinelli opened the scoring early for Arsenal, tapping in Jurrien Timber’s low cross.
The Gunners doubled their lead in similar fashion when Saka broke through Sporting’s defense and delivered a pinpoint pass for Kai Havertz to prod home from close range.
Gabriel netted his first Champions League goal just before half-time, powering a header from Declan Rice’s corner.
Early in the second half, Gonçalo Inácio pulled one back for Sporting with a well-taken left-footed strike, but it proved to be merely a consolation for the hosts.
Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande narrowly escaped a second yellow card after a reckless challenge on Martin Ødegaard that led to an Arsenal penalty. Saka converted the spot-kick, expertly placing it into the bottom corner.
Mikel Merino’s fierce shot was parried by Sporting goalkeeper Franco Israel, allowing Leandro Trossard to head into an empty net, sealing Arsenal’s fifth goal of the match.
Gunners rewarded for fast start
Arteta spoke ahead of the match about wanting his players to make a Champions League statement by recording a big win against Sporting, and they duly obliged.
After the win, he said: “I’m very happy. It’s a big result against a big opponent. We wanted to make that statement.
“When you play in this competition against these teams you have to enjoy it. What I loved about this team is the way that they flowed. They played with purpose.
“If you want to be challenging for big trophies you have to be consistent.”
Martinelli’s goal, recorded at six minutes 43 seconds, was Arsenal’s fastest in the competition since Theo Walcott netted against Basel in September 2016 (06:42).
Saka was in fine form on the right wing, providing the assist for Arsenal’s second goal before converting from the spot as he registered his 11th goal involvement in the Champions League (six goals, five assists).
It is the second time that Arsenal have scored three goals in the first half of a Champions League away game, previously beating Galatasaray 4-1 in December 2014.
Arteta was able to withdraw key players Rice, Martinelli and Odegaard as his side cruised to a brilliant victory on the road.
The Gunners were winless in their last five away games in the competition (drawn two, lost three) but they blew Sporting away with their fast start and completely dominated from the first whistle.
Sporting suffer first defeat of season
Sporting’s last home Champions League match saw them dominate Manchester City with a stunning 4-1 win under former coach Ruben Amorim. However, they couldn’t replicate that performance against Arsenal.
The home side’s remarkable unbeaten streak—17 wins and one draw across all competitions this season—came to an abrupt end at the hands of the North London club.
Viktor Gyökeres, who scored a hat-trick against City, was left frustrated as he couldn’t breach Arsenal’s defense. The Swedish striker sent a free-kick over the bar and saw his powerful effort from the edge of the area well-saved by David Raya after breaking through on goal.
Raya made several crucial saves throughout the match. He tipped over a shot from teenager Geovany Quenda and showed quick reflexes to push Morten Hjulmand’s strike past the post.
In stoppage time, Raya again denied Hjulmand, tipping his shot over the bar, and followed up by palming away Conrad Harder’s effort from the ensuing corner.