Mustapha Habeeb
November 27th, 2024
Arsenal stormed to a convincing 5-1 victory over Sporting in the Champions League, with Gabriel Martinelli opening the scoring in the early stages. The Brazilian tapped home from a low cross by Jurrien Timber, setting the tone for a dominant display by Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Gunners doubled their lead in similar fashion, with Bukayo Saka getting in behind the Sporting defense and firing the ball across the box for Kai Havertz to prod in from close range.
Gabriel scored his first Champions League goal on the stroke of half-time, powering in a header from a Declan Rice corner. The goal capped off a dominant first-half display by Arsenal.
Sporting pulled a goal back shortly after the break, with Goncalo Inacio scoring a smart left-footed strike. However, it was a mere consolation for the hosts, as Arsenal continued to dominate proceedings.
Ousmane Diomande was lucky to avoid a second yellow card when he conceded a penalty for a reckless challenge on Martin Odegaard. Saka scored the resulting spot-kick, whipping it into the bottom corner to restore Arsenal’s three-goal advantage.
The Gunners sealed the win with a fifth goal, as Mikel Merino’s fierce strike was parried by Sporting goalkeeper Franco Israel into the path of Leandro Trossard, who headed into an empty net.
The convincing victory marks a significant statement of intent from Arsenal, who look to be serious contenders in this season’s Champions League.