Arsenal’s Dominant 5-1 Win Over Sporting: Arteta Calls It a “Landmark” Moment
When it comes to making a statement in European football, Arsenal delivered one of their loudest yet. On Tuesday night, Mikel Arteta’s side dismantled Sporting CP with a stunning 5-1 victory in the Champions League, a performance that Arteta himself described as a “landmark win” and the best European away display of his five-year tenure as Arsenal manager.
Let’s set the stage here: Sporting CP came into this match unbeaten in 19 games across all competitions this season. Nineteen. They hadn’t lost at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in 18 months. Yet, Arsenal didn’t just beat them—they obliterated them. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhães, a penalty from Bukayo Saka, and a late strike from substitute Leandro Trossard sealed the emphatic win. It was a night to remember for the Gunners, and one that will surely resonate throughout Europe.
Breaking Records and Making History
Here’s a fun fact for you: This was the first time Arsenal scored five goals in a Champions League away game since October 2008. That’s 15 years, folks. And it’s only their second win in nine away matches in the competition. For a club that’s been striving to re-establish itself among Europe’s elite, this was a massive step forward.
Arteta, who took over as Arsenal manager in December 2019, has been on a mission to bring the Gunners back to the top. After a six-year absence from the Champions League, Arsenal returned to the competition last season, only to suffer a narrow 3-2 aggregate defeat in the quarterfinals. This season, their away form had been shaky, with a draw at Atalanta and a loss to Inter Milan. But Tuesday’s performance in Lisbon? That was something else entirely.
Arteta’s Take: A Performance to Remember
When asked if this was Arsenal’s best European away win under his management, Arteta didn’t hesitate. “For sure, especially against the opponent that we played in their home,” he said. “I don’t think they’ve lost here in 18 months. They’ve been in top form, they’ve been better than everyone they’ve played here. To play to that level with the fluidity that we’ve done today, very pleased.”
He went on to call it a “landmark win,” adding, “The performance was there a few times when we have played big teams. We played Paris Saint-Germain and we were exceptional again. We played Bayern Munich and were exceptional. But we made some mistakes and it cost us. That’s the level. We have to be able to cope. You have to make it happen. That creates belief. We need that consistency because the ability is there.”
What’s Next for Arsenal?
The win leaves Arsenal on 10 points after five games, placing them inside the top-8 ahead of Wednesday’s matches. Their next Champions League clash is set for Dec. 11 at the Emirates, where they’ll face AS Monaco. With momentum like this, you can bet the Gunners will be looking to finish the group stage on a high note.
Key Takeaways from Arsenal’s Victory
- Sporting CP’s 19-game unbeaten streak came to a crashing halt.
- Arsenal scored five goals in a Champions League away game for the first time since 2008.
- Arteta called it the best European away performance of his tenure.
- The Gunners are now on 10 points after five games, sitting comfortably in the top-8.
For Arsenal fans, this was more than just a win—it was a statement. A statement that this team is ready to compete with the best in Europe. And for the rest of us? It’s a reminder that the Gunners are back, and they mean business.
Originally Written by: James Olley
