3 positives & negatives from the 2-2 draw against Sporting CP

Positive #3:  The result

Ultimately, despite the poor defensive display, the result is a relatively good one. This may be the Europa League, but Sporting are a very good side, and a 2-2 draw away from home, in a match that allowed Arteta to rest players, is a positive outcome.

We welcome the Portuguese side to the Emirates in the return leg, and given our incredible home form this season, we are still the favourites to progress. There are unquestionably aspects of our game we will need to improve on, but there is no reason to suggest the team cannot do that.

Negative #3: Matt Turner

We should avoid being too harsh on Turner as, for the most part, he has performed well when called upon this season. However, his performance in this game was a low point and it will be interesting to see if he retains his place in the side for the second leg.

The 28-year-old was, at the very least, partly to blame for Sporting’s equaliser and his poor decision-making on the ball was a constant Achilles heel for the side on the night. In essence, his poor display did very little to fill the backline with confidence and contributed significantly to the team’s sub-par performance.

As mentioned though, we should avoid being overly harsh on him as it is worth noting that Turner hasn’t played first-team football since January, and rustiness is to be expected as a result.