Coach Mikel Arteta considers the 5-1 win over Sporting in the fifth round of the Champions League on November 26 as his best away performance since leading Arsenal.
Sporting are unbeaten in all competitions this season and beat Man City 4-1 at Jose Alvalade in the fourth round of the Champions League. But Arsenal easily overcame this “phenomenon” with a 5-1 victory in Portugal, with goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, and penalties from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard.
Arteta described it as a “five-star” performance and his best away performance since returning to Arsenal. “Definitely, considering that Sporting have not lost at home for 18 months,” the Spaniard said after the match. “They are in great form, playing better than any opponent at home. So I was very pleased that Arsenal played with such high level, determination and understanding today.”
Coach Mikel Arteta celebrates with Thomas Partey after Arsenal beat Sporting 5-1 at Jose Alvalade Stadium, Lisbon, Portugal on November 26. Photo: Reuters
The Gunners have scored five goals away from home in the Champions League for the first time since a 5-2 win over Fenerbahce in October 2008. Arsenal also equalled their own record for the biggest away win in the competition – a 5-1 win over Inter Milan in 2003.
Arteta took over at Arsenal in December 2019 and led the team back to the Champions League after six years. The Gunners lost 3-2 to Bayern in the quarter-finals last season, and drew 0-0 with Atalanta and lost 0-1 away to Inter Milan this season.
Arteta therefore sees the 5-1 win at Sporting as a “turning point” result and a demonstration of Arsenal’s character. “Last season against Bayern, we played brilliantly but paid the price for some mistakes. It was the same against Inter,” the 42-year-old coach said. “We play well against big opponents and that’s the level Arsenal are aiming for. This result gives us confidence and we need to show consistency.”
Arteta praised Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey for their form, and revealed Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a late injury. He intended to bring on Raheem Sterling, but was forced to change, with Jakub Kiwior replacing Gabriel in the 84th minute.
Bukayo Saka celebrates after scoring a penalty against Sporting. Photo: Arsenal FC
Meanwhile, Saka praised the importance of captain Martin Odegaard. In the last three matches since the Norwegian midfielder’s return, Arsenal drew 1-1 with Chelsea, beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the Premier League and then crushed Sporting in the Champions League.
The Gunners climbed to seventh place in the Champions League with 10 points – a position that allows them to go straight to the round of 16. On December 30, Arteta and his team will return home to face West Ham in the 13th round of the Premier League.
