Arsenal had been dreaming of an unlikely quadruple when they last kicked a Champions League football – but their season looked quite different on Tuesday evening.
The Gunners looked different in the Portuguese capital, it was cagey and slow from Mikel Arteta’s side as Sporting Lisbon gave as good as they got. Arsenal had the better chances of the two sides, with Martin Zubimendi finding the back of the net.
However, it was chalked off after VAR decided that Viktor Gyokeres, a former king of this city, was offside in the buildup. Sporting had a late chance, but a confident David Raya smothered the ball to keep it 0-0.
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The deadlock was finally broken in the 91st minute as Gabriel Martinelli picked out Kai Havertz, who’s superb touch allowed him to roll the ball into the corner.
It was never a game Arsenal had to win, but it was crucial they didn’t lose. The Gunners were outplayed by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final before being stunned by Southampton in the FA Cup.
And Tuesday night wasn’t such a case of stopping the rot, more-so not letting Sporting take an advantage to the Emirates. Arteta wanted to leave with a clean sheet and set his team up defensively.
It wasn’t a vintage Champions League showing, nor was ir the greatest game of football to watch. But Arsenal got the job done. They’re at home for the second leg and will carry the advantage.
It was risky, if Sporting had nicked a goal, Arteta’s tactics would be put under a microscope. However, it was Arsenal that stole the game in added time.
The Gunners now have a one-goal lead to defend in London, as they look for a maiden European triumph.
However, the win might just have a huge impact on their Premier League tilt – a loss would have been borderline catastrophic. A win under pressure shows they can get it done.
Its all eyes on the Premier League now, and Arsenal have the chance to quash Manchester City’s title charge once and for all.