3 standout performers from Arsenal's dominant win over Sporting CP

  • Gunners thrashed Sporting CP 5-1
  • Two star creators shined
  • A key defender looked solid at the back
Three players stood out against Sporting
Three players stood out against Sporting / Soccrates Images/GettyImages
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Arsenal marked their return to Champions League action with an impressive 5-1 win away to Sporting CP on Tuesday evening.

Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring early on before Kai Havertz doubled the Gunners' lead. Gabriel Magalhaes headed in from a corner on the stroke of half time to put his team three to the good at the break. Mikel Arteta's side felt the nerves immediately in the second half when Goncalo Inacio pulled a goal back for the hosts but it didn't take long for them to get going again. A penalty from Bukayo Saka and a late poacher's finish from Leandro Trossard put the stamp on a dominant victory.

In a game where plenty of players put in a good shift, there were three standout performers from Arsenal's 5-1 win at Sporting.


1. Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard
Odegaard impressed in midfield / Soccrates Images/GettyImages

Making his first Champions League start of the season, captain Martin Odegaard marked the occasion with a simply outstanding performance.

The Norway international looked untouchable at times as he weaved in and out of the Sporting players with ease. He did not grab a goal involvement but played his fair share in attack for his side, showing good skill to get in the box before winning a penalty in the second half.

Odegaard was always determined to win back possession as he consistently led the press to make life difficult for the hosts' defence. He was replaced by Ethan Nwaneri with just over ten minutes to play, ending a standout performance.

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