Mikel Arteta’s greatest night in Europe
Last night Arsenal obliterated Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League in a show of goals.
The Gunners destroyed the current reigning Portuguese Champions 5-1, shattering their 18 month undefeated run at home.
Gabriel Martinelli slid the ball into the back of the net from a low Julian Timber cross from the right flank inside the opening ten minutes.
After 21 minutes Bukayo Saka stormed into the box, beating the keeper with his pass to Havertz who tucked the ball into an empty net at the far side of goal.
On the stroke of halftime Declan Rice fired in a corner to triple The North Londoners advantage, witnessing Gabriel get a head to the ball and scoring in the classic unwavering style of his.
Minutes into the second half Lisbon pulled one back, through a corner of their own doing thanks to Goncalo Inacio.
Saka with the goods again then slotted his penalty into the bottom right corner of goal despite their keeper flying in the correct direction of the ball after 65 minutes.
In the 82nd minute Leandro Trossard headed in the rebounded shot of Mikel Merino just in front of the goalmouth.
It was the first time The Gunners had rampaged a side in Europe with five strikes since 2008 versus Fenerbache in the Champions’ League group stage in group H.
During the press conference after the match, a proud and gleaming Mikel Arteta proclaimed last night’s victory is his greatest game in Europe since being in charge of Arsenal:” for sure, especially against the opponent that we played in their home, I don’t think they have lost a game in 18 months.
“They’ve been in top form, better than anybody they play here, so to play to the level with the determination, the purpose, the fluidity that we’ve done today …. very pleased.”
This is arguably the Spaniards most memorable night in the Champions League since taking over Arsenal in 2020, so long may it continue…
Liam Harding
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
I think it was Arteta’s best European night, by some margin at that. Coupled with the good win against Forest it should set Arsenal up well for their coming games.
In terms of the result against a highly regarded side away from home,the win must rank as the Manager,s best ever in the top European competition.With the spotlight very much on Goycares last night it would be easy to right him off as overhyped and overrated on the basis of his performance, but with my Scouts hat on, I can understand why he has been successful as a goalscorer and I am pretty sure he would be a very effective asset for Arsenal.The matter of an inflated transfer fee is of course likely to be a major obstacle, particularly when we did not move for him when he excelled for Coventry and was obtainable for 15/20m.
And the fact, he would very much like to go to Utd.
A keep telling fans and armchair managers alike, Arsenal always rally when their back are firmly against the wall.
Whether it’s good or bad that’s another matter, it’s just their DNA.
These performance was always coming,
It’s just a pity that you didn’t see the downturn in performances that led to Arsenal’s back being against the wall in the first place. Your own “armchair manager” credentials leave something to de desired, I think.
Bertie
Calm down, I saw the officials transgressions, the Red cards, the injuries and maybe a lack of trust on the kid, that lead to the downturn performance.
Downturn in performance is not unique to Arsenal, in my opinion, the champions downturn is associated with the injury to one single player, so come let’s enjoy the trip to the Bubbles.
I’m perfectly calm, but I try not to pontificate in the way you do – you “keep telling fans and armchair managers alike”! Wow. Straight from the mountaintop, then
Of course, downturn in performance isn’t unique to Arsenal. Who suggested it was? As for City, I think it’s more likely that their current downturn is due to more factors than the long-term absence of Rodri alone – even though he is a very important player for them.
Not exactly from the mountain top, but experience teaches wisdom,
I once stated the big German would come alive, my theory then, if class is permanent he will score again, A fan ranted so hard admin threaten to ban same 🙂
Gunsmoke,
I believe you keep saying the same thing about Jesus. Still waiting!
A wonderful performance and a wonderful night. By far the best performance in Europe for a long, long time. Scoring five goals without Jesus featuring is telling.
Yes, I think Arteta did the sensible thing when Sporting looked like conceding more goals – and kept Jesus off the pitch! He almost certainly wouldn’t have added to Arsenal’s tally.
A wonderful evening, but The best European night?
Thierry Henry against Milan – first English club to best RM at their place – our two European trophies???
Let’s just enjoy the result and not forget our history while doing so.
Ken
I thought this was about the best Europeahn night for Arteta In particular not for Arsenal ever.
Yes, I read the headline wrong Pat.
That’s two apologies in one evening, could it be old age, or just not doing what I tell others to do, read and digest before commenting?!?! 😡😡