In Lisbon, Mikel Arteta’s team scored five goals while containing Europe’s most attractive attacker at the back.

Arsenal overcame their Champions League loss the previous time out by defeating Sporting CP 5-1 on Tuesday, handing them their first loss of the season.

The Gunners, who lost to Inter on matchday four, couldn’t afford to lose any more points as they want to finish in the top eight of the league phase. They got off to a great start as Gabriel Martinelli scored after only seven minutes after Jurrien Timber’s low cross.

Mikel Arteta’s team dominated the first half and extended their advantage halfway through the first forty-five minutes when Kai Havertz scored into an empty net after Bukayo Saka beat goalkeeper Franco Israel to a pass over the top from Thomas Partey. Then, just before halftime, Gabriel Magalhaes scored a close-range header off a corner to make it three.

After halftime, Sporting finally came alive and scored two minutes into the second half when Goncalo Inacio hammered a corner kick home at the near post. But soon after the hour, Saka converted the penalty after Ousmane Diomande fouled Martin Odegaard inside the box, ending their dreams of a comeback.

Arsenal put the rest of Europe on notice with a victory over one of the continent’s most outstanding sides so far this season. Mikel Merino’s drive was parried into the path of Leandro Trossard, who added a late fifth.’

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Goalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (7/10):

Made strong saves to deny Quenda and Morita either side of half-time, and again to keep out Hjulmand later in the game. Commanded his box well, and had no chance with Inacio’s deflected goal.

Jurrien Timber (8/10):

Excellent in the first half as he combined well with Saka and Odegaard. Superb low cross created Martinelli’s opener. Also strong in defence.

William Saliba (8/10):

Dealt well with Gyokeres on the rare occasion the striker came over to his side. Never looked fazed even when Sporting threatened a second-half comeback.

Gabriel Magalhaes (9/10):

Far too physical for Gyokeres as he constantly forced him away from goal and stole the ball off the striker. Scored his now trademark header from a corner, too.

Riccardo Calafiori (5/10):

Troubled on occasion by Quenda’s directness and lost Inacio for Sporting’s goal. Looked a little rusty.

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Midfield

Declan Rice (7/10):

During the first half, he was always moving, which helped him pick up the ball in space and move Arsenal ahead. Gabriel’s objective was created via a beautiful set-piece delivery.

Thomas Partey (8/10):

He controlled the game in the first half by using the ball wisely and intimidating the Sporting midfield. Saka scored the second goal thanks to a fantastic chipped ball over the top.

Martin Odegaard (9/10):

Exceptional, especially the first half. made the run that resulted in the penalty that calmed the Gunners’ jitters in the second half after playing some crazy passes in the closing third.

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Attack

Bukayo Saka (8/10):

Caused Araujo plenty of problems as he constantly darted inside to threaten the Sporting goal. Pace got him in behind to create the second goal, and scored the fourth himself from the penalty spot.

Kai Havertz (7/10):

Couldn’t miss for his goal, and showed some nice touches around the penalty area, especially when playing in Odegaard in the build-up to the penalty.

Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):

Despite being quieter than his teammates, Tap-in started the game and had a few pleasant moments after that.

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Subs & Manager

Leandro Trossard (6/10):

Couldn’t miss after Merino’s saved shot came to him inside the six-yard box.

Mikel Merino (6/10):

Had a couple of loose touches, but was involved for the fifth goal.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):

Replaced Calafiori for the final 15 minutes.

Ethan Nwaneri (6/10):

Had a couple of nice touches in his short cameo.

Jakub Kiwior (N/A):

On for Gabriel in the closing stages.

Mikel Arteta (9/10):

Sporting played at their own level, and his team never appeared uneasy. His team were lethal in attack and disciplined while not in possession. After a few lackluster days away in Europe, this is a true indication of improvement.