Arsenal held their nerve to reach the Champions League semi-finals after a tense 0-0 draw with Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates, with their 1-0 first-leg advantage enough to progress.
Arsenal scraped their way into the Champions League semi-final, with a second leg deadlock sufficient to edge past Sporting. The Gunners carried a 1-0 lead into the second leg at the Emirates following Kai Havertz’s stoppage time winner in Lisbon last week.
Geny Cantano came closest to wiping out that advantage for Sporting, but watched his first-half strike graze the outside of the post. Despite another anxious evening in front of their home crowd, a 0-0 stalemate proved enough to secure a second consecutive semi-final for the first time in their history.
They will now meet Atletico Madrid in a mouth-watering clash, with the opening leg in Madrid scheduled for later this month. Here are Daily Star Sport’s Arsenal ratings…
David Raya, 6 – Another reckless pass out from the back to set hearts racing. Taking far too many chances, reports the Mirror.
Cristhian Mosquera, 7 – Delivered a decent, dependable defensive shift at right back. May lack some finesse but appears more reliable.
William Saliba, 6 – Some wayward passes and even Arsenal’s silky smooth defender appears on edge.
Gabriel, 7 – Steady enough. Had a few battles and skirmishes but looked robust and determined.
Piero Hincapie, 7 – Stayed wide on the left flank, almost like a second left winger. Dependable. A most welcome comeback.
Declan Rice, 7 – Donned the captain’s armband and dismissed any fitness concerns with another outstanding box-to-box performance.
Martin Zubimendi, 6 – Lacking in confidence and a million miles from the player who dazzled during the opening half of the campaign.
Eberechi Eze, 7 – Provided Arsenal with greater attacking menace and his comeback from injury proved perfectly timed. Solid performance.
Noni Madueke, 5 – What on earth has become of him? Appears frightened to take on defenders. Departed through injury.
Gabriel Martinelli, 6 – His finest contribution was utilising his blistering speed to defend in the opening period. Failed to provide sufficient attacking danger.
Viktor Gyokeres, 4 – Absolutely dreadful. Even facing the side against whom he netted so frequently, he appeared completely out of his depth.
Substitutes
Kai Havertz, for Gyokeres, 56 mins, 5
Max Dowman, for Madueke. 63 mins, 6
Gabriel Jesus, for Martinelli, 79 mins, 6
Leandro Trossard, for Eze, 79 mins, 6