Havertz the hero, Gyökeres subdued: Arsenal player ratings from Sporting Lisbon clash
Arsenal edged out Sporting Lisbon with a hard-fought 1-0 victory in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League clash on Tuesday.
Substitute Kai Havertz netted the decisive goal in the closing stages, silencing the home crowd and securing a crucial advantage for the Gunners.
We take a look at the performance ratings of the Arsenal players in Lisbon.
David Raya – 8.5/10
The Gunners’ shot-stopper proved decisive when it mattered most, particularly in the closing stages of the contest.
Raya produced two outstanding saves in the final ten minutes to deny Mozambique forward Geny Catamo.
Gabriel Magalhães – 7/10
Magalhães was a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup following the injury scare in the defeat to Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Despite concerns over his fitness, the Brazilian centre-back delivered a commanding defensive display, winning key duels with his physical presence and aerial dominance.
William Saliba – 8/10
Saliba produced another assured and composed performance alongside Gabriel Magalhães at the heart of defence.
The French defender dealt comfortably with the attacking threats from the hosts, reading the game excellently and making crucial interceptions to maintain Arsenal’s defensive solidity.
His calmness in possession also helped Arsenal play out from the back under pressure.
Ben White – 7.5/10
White delivered a disciplined and reliable performance in a challenging away fixture.
The England international remained solid defensively throughout, showing good positional awareness and composure, although his attacking contributions were limited.
Riccardo Calafiori – 6/10
The Italian defender put in a decent and composed display to handle the threat posed by Geny Catamo and, at times, Francisco Trincão.
Calafiori made making key tackles and interceptions, while also showing confidence when stepping forward in possession.
Martin Zubimendi – 6.5/10
The Spanish midfielder came close to breaking the deadlock early in the second half, unleashing a curling effort from outside the box after a well-worked team move.
However, the goal was ruled out as Viktor Gyökeres was adjudged to be offside in the buildup.
Declan Rice – 8/10
The England international made his return to action, featuring for the first time since the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City prior to the international break.
His presence injected energy and intensity into the midfield at the Estádio José Alvalade, as the former West Ham United man delivered a commanding display, contributing effectively both defensively and in attack.
Martin Ødegaard – 7/10
The Arsenal captain was a lively presence in midfield, constantly looking to create opportunities for the Premier League side.
However, his influence waned after the break, and he was eventually substituted following an injury concern, with Kai Havertz coming on in his place.
Leandro Trossard – 6/10
Trossard endured a quiet outing in attack for the Gunners and was eventually replaced by Gabriel Martinelli in the second half.
The Belgian forward struggled to cope with the hosts’ intensity and disciplined defensive setup before making way.
Noni Madueke – 6.5/10
Madueke delivered a fairly solid performance prior to his substitution after the break.
The winger showed flashes of pace and skill, but found it difficult to make a real impact, with Sporting full-back Maximiliano Araújo proving resolute and limiting his attacking threat.
Viktor Gyokeres – 5.5/10
Gyökeres endured a difficult outing, with Sporting Lisbon centre-backs Gonçalo Inácio and Ousmane Diomande effectively limiting his space and influence throughout the game.
Their disciplined approach made it hard for the Gunners forward to find rhythm or impose himself against his former side.
He will also be left frustrated with his awareness, having been caught offside in the buildup to the disallowed goal.
SUBSTITUTE
Gabriel Martinelli – 8/10
The Brazilian winger made a strong impact after coming on in the second half.
Martinelli caused constant problems with his sharp movement and intent to create chances in the final third.
His influence paid off as he delivered a superb assist for Havertz to net the decisive goal.
Kai Havertz – 9/10
The German international proved to be the difference-maker after his second-half introduction.
Havertz netted the winning goal, showing excellent composure to bring down Martinelli’s pass before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper.
Max Downman – 6/10
The young forward endured a difficult outing after coming on in the second half.
Downman struggled to impose himself, with Araujo keeping him quiet and limiting his impact on the game.
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