By Table of Contents
Arsenal, the Premier League’s top team had a horrible evening after being eliminated in the round of 16.
After suffering a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Sporting CP at the Emirates, Arsenal was eliminated from the Europa League.
Granit Xhaka’s first-half goal placed Mikel Arteta’s team ahead 3-2 overall following the 2-2 first-leg stalemate in Lisbon last week, giving them the appearance of being headed for an easy win.
But, the visitors put on an outstanding second-half performance and earned a point with a remarkable equalizer from Pedro Goncalves, who lobbed Aaron Ramsdale from well inside the Arsenal half to force overtime.
The home team controlled the extra 30 minutes, but they were unable to overcome the outstanding Antonio Adan, who saved two superb shots from Gabriel Magalhaes before pushing a Leandro Trossard shot into the post.
After saving Gabriel Martinelli’s penalty, Sporting’s goalkeeper emerged as the shootout’s hero as the visitors won 5-3 to advance to the quarterfinals.
The injuries incurred in the first half will make the defeat hurt considerably more than it already would.
Arsenal players from Emirates Stadium are rated by GOAL…
Goal Keeper?/Defence
(6) Aaron Ramsdale
caught off guard by Pedro Goncalves’ spectacular strike, but quickly produced a great stop to deny Edwards.
(N/A) Takehiro Tomiyasu
Within minutes, wounded and limped off.
William Saliba:
Another injured early casualty.
6/10 for Gabriel Magalhaes
appeared extremely agitated as Sporting pressed so hard.
Alex Zinchenko (5/10):
Arsenal suffered because he was unable to move forward as often as he did.
Midfield
Jorginho (5/10):
Superb ball in the lead-up to Xhaka’s goal, but lacked control in the middle of the field.
6/10 for Granit Xhaka
Although the goal was scored well to make it 1-0, the equalizer was provided by a bad pass.
Fabio Vieira (3 out of 10)
played so brilliantly in the first leg, but this game was mostly lost to him.
Attack
(10/4 Reiss Nelson)
Despite seeing a lot of the ball, not much was done with it.
(7/10) Gabriel Jesus
really dynamic 45-minute show. Encouraging.
(5/10) Gabriel Martinelli
kept mostly quiet but escaped to play a significant part in Xhaka’s opening move. The critical penalty was missed. had his penalty kick in the shootout been blocked?
Subs & Manager
(6) Ben White
Tomiyasu came on early and was handed a challenging night.
6/10 Rob Holding
made a few good blocks in the second half, but occasionally struggled to maintain possession.
6.5/10 for Leandro Trossard
had a fantastic opportunity in overtime, but his shot was deflected onto the post. Lively.
(6) Bukayo Saka:
Threatened less after getting going.
(6) Thomas Partey
was implemented, and it gave Arsenal a little more control.
(7/10) Martin Odegaard
made Arsenal better right away.
(6) Mikel Arteta
The injuries and performance would have troubled you.
