Arsenal player ratings vs Sporting as Declan Rice leads Gunners to history but one star gets 4/10

How football.london rated the Arsenal player performances after the Champions League clash with Sporting CP

Arsenal have reached back to back semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history. It wasn’t easy, and they fought a feisty and dangerous Sporting CP side, but they eventually got the job done.

The first half brought some of the energy that had been lacking on the weekend, but there were still signs of edge with David Raya giving the ball away and Geny Catamo hitting the post. Eberechi Eze had some speculative efforts which couldn’t find the target.

Leandro Trossard would hit the post in the second half as the team still struggled for clear-cut chances. But despite some late nerves, the Gunners reached the next stage of the competition.

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Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved:

David Raya – Awful decision to pass into the middle in the first half, surrendering possession. Had to be good in the air from crosses and was as he claimed and punched several out of danger. 6

Cristhian Mosquera – Did really well in the first half defensively, and held firm on the right-hand side. Was slightly fortunate to get away with a push on Maxi Araujo in the box that the VAR decided against giving a penalty for. 7

William Saliba – Strong at the back when he needed to be, repelling attacks and ultimately shutting out the Sporting forwards. 7

Gabriel – Like his defensive partner, the Brazilian had to be strong when it mattered and distributed more confidently than at the weekend. 7

Piero Hincapié – The Ecuadorian played very high up the left-hand side, pinning back the Sporting right flank. Good to have the senior player back as he worked very hard up and down the left flank. 7

Martin Zubimendi – Certainly more encouraging from the Spaniard than we have seen in some recent weeks, and nearly created a couple big chances. 7

Declan Rice – Was everywhere on the night, as captain, calling shots and making driving runs through the middle. 8

Eberechi Eze – Beautiful spin by the touchline early on got the fans off their seats, something this side has sorely needed. Had some shots from outside the box and it was clearly good for him to be back. 7

Noni Madueke – Had so many bright moments that he couldn’t find the right execution at the end, be that passes or shots. Had to be replaced in the second half after suffering a potential knee injury. 6

Viktor Gyokeres – Had an early chance when the ball came to him on the edge, fired his shot over the bar. But it was not a great display from the Swede overall. 4

Gabriel Martinelli – Excellent piece of defending to deny a Sporting counter in the first half. Made some good driving runs but ultimately was unsuccessful making the impact. 5

Substitutes:

Kai Havertz – Came on for Gyokeres and began by winning aerial duels with a knock down for Eze setting up a chance. 6

Max Dowman – A huge occasion for the young player and he rose to it, even taking some very dangerous corners from the right. 7

Gabriel Jesus – Got free down the left to beat a man, but only could find the side netting. 5

Leandro Trossard – Hit the post from a headed chance created by a Dowman corner. 5