Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

Sporting CP 2-2 Arsenal: Player ratings from entertaining first leg in Lisbon

By James Cormack

Arsenal's players celebrate after Sporting Lisbon's Japanese midfielder Hidemasa Morita scored an own goal during the UEFA Europa League last 16 first leg football match between Sporting CP and Arsenal at Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on March 9, 2023. (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM / AFP) (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's players celebrate after Sporting Lisbon's Japanese midfielder Hidemasa Morita scored an own goal during the UEFA Europa League last 16 first leg football match between Sporting CP and Arsenal at Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on March 9, 2023. (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM / AFP) (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Midfielders

Fabio Vieira was always trying to make things happen. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Fabio Vieira was always trying to make things happen. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images) /

Jorginho (DM) – 5.5/10 – Lack of athleticism was exposed on several occasions and he struggled to gain a foothold on proceedings with the ball.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – 6.5/10 – Thought this was one of Xhaka’s more impressive performances since the World Cup. Posed a threat at the back post, and his surges in behind were well timed.

Fabio Vieira (CM) – 7/10 – Not everything he tried on Thursday evening came off, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying. Vieira looked comfortable in more familiar surroundings and was utilised as a false nine to close out the contest. Grabbed another assist.

Continued on the next slide…