‘This is where we belong’ – Arsenal make European statement with dominant win | OneFootball

Arsenal announced themselves as genuine contenders in the Champions League with a dominant 5-1 victory over Sporting CP in Lisbon last night.

Mikel Arteta’s side delivered a commanding performance at Estadio Jose Alvalade, a venue where Sporting had remained unbeaten this season.

Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhães, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard ensured a crucial win that lifted Arsenal to seventh in the group stage standings.

Saka was instrumental in Arsenal’s success, providing an assist and converting a penalty to take his Champions League tally to six goals and five assists.

Speaking after the match, Saka said: “This is where we belong. We know they haven’t lost here this season, but we believed in ourselves. Everyone was top, I’m really proud of all the boys today.”

Arteta had called for a statement performance ahead of the match, and his players responded emphatically.

“I’m very happy,” he said. “It’s a big result against a big opponent. We wanted to make that statement.

“What I loved about this team is the way that they flowed. They played with purpose. If you want to challenge for big trophies, you have to be consistent.”

The Gunners set the tone early, with Martinelli opening the scoring in the seventh minute – Arsenal’s fastest Champions League goal since 2016.

Havertz doubled the lead shortly after before Gabriel added a third to put the visitors firmly in control by half-time.

Although Sporting briefly threatened a comeback when Goncalo Inacio scored early in the second half, Saka’s penalty restored Arsenal’s three-goal cushion, and Trossard sealed the result.

The five goals matched Arsenal’s total from their previous eight Champions League away games combined.

Saka’s contribution earned praise from former England defender Rio Ferdinand, who described him as a leader for the team.

“He could be Arsenal captain without a shadow of a doubt,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports. “The whole place is built for him.” The return of Martin Odegaard after a two-month absence also provided a boost. Saka highlighted their partnership, saying: “He’s an unbelievable player. The day he returned, there was a big smile on my face. You can see the chemistry we have.”