Arsenal player ratings vs Sporting: Gabriel, Saliba and Odegaard superb in thumping 5-1 win
A sensational first half performance set Arsenal on their way to a first Champions League away win of the season as they brushed Sporting CP aside 5-1 on Tuesday night.
Mikel Arteta’s side flew out of the blocks at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, with Gabriel Martinelli turning in Jurrien Timber’s superb cross after just seven minutes.
Kai Havertz then doubled the lead when he tapped in Bukayo Saka’s pass before Gabriel Magalhaes rounded off a perfect first half with a thumping header from Declan Rice’s corner.
Sporting did pull a goal back soon after the interval through Goncalo Inacio, but Saka’s penalty on 65 minutes ensured there would be no comeback before Leandro Trossard’s late header sealed a statement win for the Gunners.
Arsenal player ratings
David Raya: Made a few really sharp saves in the second half, but could do nothing with the goal. Claimed crosses excellently all night. 8
Jurrien Timber: Produced a superb cross for Martinelli to open the scoring. Fine display from a player who is looking better and better. 8
William Saliba: You could see he loved the battle against Gyokeres. Outstanding display from the Arsenal centre-back. 9
Gabriel Magalhaes: Was really up for the game. Looked like he wanted to prove a point against Gyokeres. Great header to make it 3-0. 9
Riccardo Calafiori: His presence on the left just leads to a far more balanced looking team. Showed some good quality, although will be disappointed to have lost his man for Sporting’s goal right after half-time. 7
Thomas Partey: Gorgeous pass to send Saka away in the build up to the second goal. 8
Declan Rice: Good to see him back in the side. He was all over the pitch as always. Slashed one effort high and wide. 7
Martin Odegaard: Absolutely outstanding, especially in the first half. Everything Arsenal did went through him. 9
Bukayo Saka: A real threat throughout. Set up the second goal and stayed cool to slot home the penalty at a really important time in the second half. 8
Kai Havertz: Couldn’t miss when Saka set him up. Led the line well. 7
Gabriel Martinelli: Showed good intent to get in front of his man to open the scoring early on. Lively display. 7
Substitutes
Mikel Merino: His powerful shot led to Trossard’s goal. 6
Leandro Trossard: Easy header to make it 5-1. Could be a really important goal for him after a difficult few weeks. 7
Ethan Nwaneri: Couple of nice touches in his short time on the pitch. N/A
Oleksandr Zinchenko: Played one lovely long ball through for Havertz. N/A
Jakub Kiwior: Replaced Gabriel late on. N/A