Arsenal out of Europa League on Penalties

Arsenal went into this winner takes all match with a relatively strong team. Arteta made five changes. The most notable of this was Ramsdale replacing Turner.

Both sides started the game well, but Sporting showed more intent with their play.

Arsenal had to make an early substitution due to an injury to Tomiyasu. He was replaced by Ben White after 9 minutes. Sporting continued to be the better team, but did not test Ramsdale. The first shot of the match came from Sporting. Trincao picked the ball from just inside the Arsenal half and carried the ball close to the Arsenal box. He hit a shot that went just wide. Arsenal’s first opportunity came from a brilliant through ball played by Jorginho to Gabriel Jesus, but the Sporting goalkeeper beat him to the ball.

Arsenal had the first shot on target. A cross by Reiss Nelson was met by Jesus. His shot was not cleanly hit, but it was enough to force a save out of the Sporting keeper. Arsenal appealed for a penalty for contact on Vieira, but their appeal was waved away by the referee.

Arsenal scored the first goal of the game in the 19th minute. A pass to Martinelli put him through on goal. His shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Xhaka was there to follow up and put the ball in the back of the net.

Arsenal were forced into another change when Saliba was also injured in the 20th minute. He was replaced by Holding. Arsenal appealed for another penalty when Jesus was brought down in the penalty area, but he was ruled offside, so no penalty.

Sporting had a chance to equalise through Edwards. He was tracked by Zinchenko, who did enough to deny him a shot on target. The chance came from a kick by the goalkeeper into the Arsenal half.

Jesus tested the Sporting keeper again. He weaved his way through the defence and forced a good save out of the keeper.

Sporting refused to lay down and continued to play well and create chances. In first half added time, Sporting increased their intensity and created chances, but could not hit the target. The first half ended 1-0 to Arsenal.

Jesus was replaced by Trossard for the second half.

Sporting started the game the same way they started the first, dominating possession. Arsenal kept giving the ball away. Ramsdale was forced into a save in the 50th minute. Another chance at goal three minutes later by Sporting was blocked by Holding. Arsenal continued to be sloppy with their passing.

Sporting equalised with a magnificent goal. He chipped Ramsdale from the half way line. Arsenal made two substitutions, replacing Jorginho and Nelson with Partey and Saka. Partey’s introduction brought Arsenal back into the game. Sporting had a chance to take the lead. Edward’s shot was saved by Ramsdale.

The game was end to end, with both teams going for the win. Another appeal for penalty was waved away because Saka was offside. The game ended evens in normal time, meaning 30 minutes of extra time. Not what the team would have wanted.

Arsenal had a chance to go in front in extra time. A mistake by Sporting gifted Trossard the ball. His shot hit the keeper and came off the post.

The match ended 1-1 on the night and 3-3 on aggregate, and so went to penalties. Gabriel Martinelli was the only Arsenal to miss his penalty, giving the Portuguese side the victory.

Opinion: Arsenal did not play to their high standard that has got them many admirers. The number of changes may have contributed to this, but the side Arteta put out should have been more than able to see off a good Sporting side. Sporting were deserving of the win. They played with no fear and looked to want the win more than Arsenal. It’s the Premier League or nothing for the Gunners.