Arsenal break Champions League record as they hit Sporting for five  | OneFootball

Arsenal made history in the UEFA Champions League today as they demolished Sporting CP 5-1 in a record-breaking performance.

The Gunners’ expected goals (xG) of 3.13 in the away match is the highest ever recorded by an Arsenal side in the Champions League since 2013/14.

Mikel Arteta’s side, hungry for redemption after their loss to Inter Milan, unleashed a barrage of attacks that overwhelmed Sporting, still adapting to the demands of their new manager.

Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring when he turned in a low cross from Jurrien Timber in the seventh minute, setting the tone for the mullering in Lisbon.

Attacker Kai Havertz bagged the second to give the Gunners a breather, and Declan Rice’s precise set-piece delivery, converted by Gabriel Magalhaes, sealed the deal before halftime.

Arsenal were in cruise control but did not let their foot off the gas. After Sporting got one back and thought they could fight back into the game, the North Londoners won a penalty that talisman Bukayo Saka converted.

Arsenal put together another beautiful move that ended in a shot from Mikel Merino that the Sporting keeper saved. However, the ever-clutch Leandro Trossard was on hand to slide the rebound in, adding a fifth to complete the rout.

Arsenal’s clinical finishing and impressive xG performance showcased their attacking prowess and underlined their ambitions in the Champions League. This historic victory propels Arsenal to seventh place in the UCL table, setting the stage for exciting battles.

Arteta’s side were in a slump before the November international break, but they are recharged and look imperious. They defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0 over the weekend and made light work of one of the most in-form teams in Europe tonight.

Next, Arsenal take on West Ham United, looking to close the gap on Liverpool at the summit of the Premier League table.