Mikel Arteta’s side got off to a flying start and took the lead through a William Saliba header, but goals either side from Goncalo Inacio and Paulinho gave Sporting a well-deserved lead.

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However, Arsenal responded well and conceded a vital equalizer ahead of next week’s second leg when Granit Xhaka’s pass rebounded off Hidemasa Morita and crept into the corner.

Goalkeeper and Defense

Matt Turner (5/10):

He seemed nervous all night. He made some good saves but was obviously very rusty.

Ben White (6/10):

I was joined in position a couple of times as Sporting appeared to come in from their left.

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Guillaume Saliba (8/10):

Rose good to open the scoring. Arsenal’s best defender that night.

Jacob Kiwior (5/10):

Really bad for the first goal. Should have walked the ball even when Turner called.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):

His movement caused Sporting problems and he made some great passes. Sometimes careless in possession.

Midfielder

Midfielder

Jorgenho (6/10):

His lack of pace was noticeable at times, but he moved the ball well when in possession.

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Xhaka Granite (6/10):

Close to scoring when his header was stopped on the line. His pass went into his own goal.

Fabio Vieira (8/10):

Always lively. Good performance for the first goal. Always a threat.

offensive

Bukayo Saka (5/10):

Couldn’t get into the game properly but played a part in the second goal.

Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):

Never stopped working. So close to a superb individual destination. Nelson Trip (5/10):

Never really in the game. Not a repeat of his Saturday heroics.

Subs and managers

Takehiro Tomiyasu (7/10):

A delicious nutmeg was the highlight of him. Nice cameo.

Emily Smith Rowe (5/10):

Never really involved. Thomas Partey (5/10):

I couldn’t tell the difference.

Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):

Immediately strengthened the defense.

Michele Arteta (6/10):

He has made six changes, but will still be disappointed with the performance.