AFCON 2025
Arsenal put up a 5-star performance as they ended the 18-match unbeaten run of Sporting Lisbon on matchday 5 of the UEFA Champions League.
An “Amor-less” Sporting Lagos were left open for most part of the game as the Gunners gunned them down in fantastic display at the Jose Alvalade in Lisbon.
The home side were in sixes and sevens from the blast of the whistle as they struggled to contain Arsenal’s press.
Gabriel Martinelli gave the Gunners the lead as early as the 7th minute with a simple tap in from Jurrien Timber’s square ball into the box.
While the home side were trying to get into game, Mikel Arteta’s men struck again on the 22nf mimute.
Bukayo Saka found Kai Havertz in space with a lovely pass in the box and the German striker finished from close range to double Arsenal’s lead.
Saka came close to adding a third but his low shot was comfortably saved by Franco Isreal.
Geovany Quenda forced David Raya to brilliant save as his shoot from the edge of the box was parried away by the Spanish goalkeeper.
Gabriel compounded the woes of Sporting Lisbon just before halftime as he planted a header from close range into the net to give Arsenal a 3-0 lead into the break.
The home side started the second half with renewed momentum and created goal-scoring chances within mimutes of the restart.
Hidemassa Morita unleashed a brilliant striker from the edge of the box towards goal but Raya did enough to put the ball away for a corner.
Goncalo Inacio got to the end of the corner-kick and fires the ball to the net.
Sporting dominated possession thereafter and created chances but couldn’t bury any of them as the Gunners held on to their 3-1 lead.
Unfortunately, Bukayo Saka restored Arsenal’s three-goal advantage from the penalty spot on the 65th minute.
David Raya was called into actio again and the 29-year-old responded swiftly to Morten Hjulmand’s strike towards the bottom right corner.
Leandro Trossard got the final goal of the match via a rebound as Arsenal rounded off a brilliant performance with a 5-1 win.
The Portuguese champions were outplayed and outclassed in their first Champions League match post-Ruben Amorim era.
The 39-year-old manager left the club during the international break to become the new manager of Manchester United.
