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3 positives & negatives as Sporting CP dump Arsenal out of Europa League
Sporting CP took Arsenal into extra-time and then penalties, where the Gunners ultimately succumbed to a disappointing 5-3 defeat after Gabriel Martinelli saw his penalty saved.
On the balance of play over the two legs, it is hard to argue that Sporting didn’t deserve the victory. While it is true that we created more than enough chances to win the game – and had it not been for Antonio Adan’s heroics in goal, we likely would have done – the team allowed Sporting far too many chances of their own.
However, it is worth remembering that while the defeat is demoralising, there are still positives to take from the game.
3 positives and negatives as Sporting CP dump Arsenal out of Europa League
💬 "It’s done now, we can’t think too much about it, we have to move forward and we have a new game on Sunday and we just have to be ready for that one now." pic.twitter.com/R7UXPwD9G0
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 16, 2023
Positive #1: Gabriel Jesus’ sharpness
One such positive is the apparent sharpness of Gabriel Jesus. As his cameo against Fulham at the weekend suggested, the Brazilian is playing as though he hasn’t been injured for the last three months.
He was subbed off at half-time, but he was very impressive during his 45-minute cameo. The striker reminded us all of what we have been missing in his absence; tenacity, quick feet, intelligent link-up play and an ability to swivel opposition centre-backs with ease. Had it not been for a smart save by Adan, he likely would have got himself on the scoresheet too.
As the 25-year-old continues to return to full match fitness, he will only get even better and that is a huge boost for us in our bid to win the Premier League title.
Negative #1: Europa League elimination
Rather obviously, the most pertinent negative from the defeat was our subsequent elimination from the Europa League. The majority of the fanbase has predominantly been focused on the Premier League, as have Mikel Arteta and the players, but that doesn’t make our exit any less damning.
As a club, our success in Europe, or rather the lack of it, is a concern and this was an opportunity for us to rectify that. The fact that Arteta named such a strong XI in both legs tells us that he too was keen to go far in this competition.
He confirmed his intentions after the game, admitting that the defeat was a huge blow.
"“A huge blow. We really wanted to go through and fight in the competition and go for it. Today, we tried for 120 minutes and the penalties, and it wasn’t enough.”"
Our long wait for European silverware will continue for at least one more year.
Continued on the next slide…