Arsenal needed a win in the Champions League after losing their last tie against Inter Milan.
Manager Mikel Arteta got a ruthless response from his side as they demolished Sporting CP in Portugal this evening.
Despite Arsenal’s less-than-stellar away record in the competition, they found their rhythm early and punished the Primeira Liga league leaders, who looked average.
The Gunners put their foot on the gas and never let go. Ahead of the match, all the talk was about the threat of Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has scored 24 goals in 19 appearances this term.
However, he was well-marshalled by the Arsenal rearguard.
Arsenal took the lead early on as Gabriel Martinelli turned in a cross from Jurrien Timber to ease the early nerves. Kai Havertz doubled the lead minutes later as the Gunners took hold of proceedings.
The Premier League giants have earned a reputation for their set-piece prowess, and that ability was on show tonight as they bagged the third just before the half-time break.
Midfielder Declan Rice is renowned for his excellent set-pieces and delivered a peach of a ball that Gabriel Magalhaes netted to ensure the win before the whistle.
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman was blown away by Rice’s latest delivery. “Declan Rice waited an age to take that set piece, but it was worth the wait,” he said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“It was whipped in with real pace and precision to give Gabriel the opportunity to guide it into the goal, using the pace of the ball. It’s brilliant from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.”
Rice has not hit the heights he did last season following his big-money move from West Ham United but remains a valuable asset to the club.
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