Arsenal 1-1 Sporting CP: 3 talking points as Gunners crash out of Europe

Arsenal were dumped out of the Europa League by Sporting CP on penalties as Mikel Arteta’s side was ravaged by injuries on a poor night in north London.

Arteta named a rotated side that included a first start in forever for Gabriel Jesus, while Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey were all named on the bench.

After a sluggish start, Arsenal took the lead inside 20 minutes as Granit Xhaka opened the scoring. A gorgeous ball from Jorginho found Gabriel Martinelli, who had his shot saved, but Xhaka followed up and slotted home.

The remainder of the half saw both sides create chances, but it was Arsenal who took the lead into the break.

Sporting dominated the second half and levelled matters in an incredible way. From just inside Arsenal’s half, Pedro Goncalves launched an astonishing shot that caught out Aaron Ramsdale, who was off his line, as the visitors restored parity both on the night and in the tie.

The visitors dominated the half but couldn’t find a breakthrough as extra time was needed.

Neither side could find a way through as the Gunners dominated both periods, and it was left to penalties to decide who advances.

Sporting were faultless from 12 yards, converting all five, while Martinelli missed and sent Arsenal crashing out of Europe.

Arsenal 1-1 Sporting CP: 3 talking points as Gunners crash out of Europe

The game provided plenty of talking points; here they are.

1. Gabriel Jesus’ comeback continues

The Brazilian started his first game for Arsenal since November on Thursday night. At times he looked like the lively Jesus we came to know early in the season, but there were also signs of rust.

He lasted just 45 minutes, but that is a big step on his way back to full fitness as Arteta likely didn’t want to take any risks with his star man.

How good is it to have him back?

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2. Injury bug bites hard

At this time of the season, the Gunners can ill afford injuries, but unfortunately, both Takehiro Tomiyasu and William Saliba succumbed in the opening 20 minutes.

Just how bad those injuries are could prove decisive in the title run. Tomiyasu appeared to hurt his knee after sliding on the turf, while Saliba seemed to point to a back injury as he walked off.

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3. Europa loss a win?

While the Gunners would ideally have loved to progress into the next round of the Europa League, being dumped out at a relatively early stage might not be the worst thing in the world.

Given that Arsenal has “bigger fish to fry” in terms of the Premier League title, having games midweek as they try to hold off Manchester City isn’t exactly ideal.

Now, with no Europe, the Gunners can fully focus on the league and that elusive title.