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How football.london rated the Arsenal player performances after the Champions League clash with Sporting CP
Arsenal secured a very late winner in Lisbon courtesy of Kai Havertz after a brilliant ball over the top from Gabriel Martinelli. The Gunners will take a one-nil lead back to North London.
The two sides played out a first half where they effectively negated one another. Very little in the way of big chances besides the opening few moments, where Maxi Araujo hit the bar, and Noni Madueke did the same.
Arsenal thought they had taken the lead at the mid-way point of the second half, Martin Zubimendi’s excellent strike curled into the net, but an offside in the build-up by Viktor Gyokeres saw it ruled out.
Some late saves from David Raya were needed to keep the clean sheet on the night. Yet it was the late brilliance of the German substitute which stole the victory.
Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved:
David Raya – Had very little to do in the first half, just getting down low to stop a shot from a tight angle. Forced into a good save from a Catano diving header going low to his left side and then a double save late on. 8
Benjamin White – The opening stages of the match were nothing short of horrific with a poor pass to Madueke and being beaten defensively. However, after that, he settled and improved but there is no doubt the team is missing Jurrien Timber. 5
William Saliba – A very strong performance from the Frenchman who didn’t put a foot wrong throughout. 8
Gabriel Magalhaes – Was standing firm but had a chaotic moment when he mishit a clearance back toward his own goal, which thankfully was cleared up. 7
Riccardo Calafiori – Was put into plenty of one-on-one situations with Catano and did well to stand tall, getting his foot in to stifle the winger. Could have done better when Martinelli found the Italian in the box with his cross behind Gyokeres. 7
Martin Zubimendi – A nervy early moment when a frail pass nearly allowed Sporting a tap-in. Unlucky not to give the Gunners the lead with an offside in the build-up. Definitely one of his better games of late. 7
Declan Rice – Certainly was a big influence with his Spanish midfield partner in controlling the tempo. Overall really impressive game from the midfielder who was everywhere on the night. 8
Martin Odegaard – The skipper had a frustrating game. There were moments where you thought he could play a progressive ball, but instead turned back. He definitely grew into the game and had a couple of chances, but he tired in the end. 5
Noni Madueke – Delivered a corner directly onto the crossbar, which was the first big chance for the Gunners in the game. Bit of a disappointing showing in the end from the winger who couldn’t get the better of his man despite some threatening balls into the box. 6
Viktor Gyokeres – Couldn’t be found in the first half, and was pretty isolated. Couldn’t stay onside in the build-up for Zubimendi’s would-be goal. The Gunners couldn’t get the former Sporting man into the game. 5
Leandro Trossard – Had a great chance to have a strike at goal just after the second half started but it was a poor execution. Worked well in some tight spaces but couldn’t be the difference. 6
Substitutes:
Kai Havertz – The late hero of the night grabbed a very late winner to the delight of his team. Great touch and composed finish. 8
Max Dowman – Coming on for Madueke to get some valuable European minutes since his debut in Prague. Some good flashes but couldn’t find the impact. 6
Gabriel Martinelli – Made an immediate impact with a gorgeous pass outside of the boot which got Calafiori into the box. The Brazilian then played the perfect pass over the top to win it. 8
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