Arsenal’s European Statement: Odegaard Shines in Lisbon as Gunners Crush Sporting

Arsenal’s European Statement: Odegaard Shines in Lisbon as Gunners Crush Sporting

LISBON, Portugal — Just when Arsenal fans were starting to feel the jitters, Martin Odegaard stepped up and delivered a moment of magic. It was the kind of brilliance that not only defined the match but could also serve as a turning point for the Gunners’ season. After a string of tough results, Mikel Arteta’s side needed a spark, and their captain’s return from injury provided exactly that.

Injuries are a manager’s eternal headache, and while they’re often used as an excuse, there’s no denying the impact of Odegaard’s absence. His return from an ankle injury has coincided with a dramatic improvement in Arsenal’s performances. That resurgence was on full display Tuesday night as the Gunners dismantled Sporting Lisbon 5-1 in the UEFA Champions League.

“He is an unbelievable player, and the day he returned, there was a big smile on my face,” said Bukayo Saka about Odegaard. “You can see the chemistry we have, how much I enjoy playing with him. So I am happy he is back, and I hope he stays fit for the rest of the season.”

Sporting’s Streak Snapped

Sporting Lisbon came into this match riding high. They were unbeaten in 19 matches this season and had recently stunned Manchester City at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, with Viktor Gyökeres grabbing a hat-trick to cement his status as one of Europe’s most exciting players. However, with manager Ruben Amorim now at Manchester United, Sporting looked a shadow of their former selves on Tuesday night. Gyökeres, in particular, was a non-factor as Arsenal delivered their best half of football this season.

Arsenal’s first-half performance was a masterclass in European away football: ruthless in attack, disciplined in defense. By halftime, they were up 3-0, courtesy of goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Magalhães. The first two goals came from a devastating right-wing combination that Sporting simply couldn’t handle.

Odegaard and Saka: A Deadly Duo

Odegaard’s tendency to drift to the right and link up with Saka has become a hallmark of Arsenal’s play. It’s a pattern that has left many teams scratching their heads, including Nottingham Forest, who were soundly beaten at the Emirates last weekend. On Tuesday, that right flank was once again Arsenal’s primary weapon, with 65% of their attacks coming from that side in the first half.

Jurriën Timber, filling in for the injured Ben White, showed he’s more than capable of holding his own. Timber set up Martinelli for the opener, while Saka provided the assist for Havertz’s goal. Gabriel’s header from a corner made it three, extending Arsenal’s impressive set-piece record.

Sporting’s Brief Fightback

Sporting managed to pull one back early in the second half through Gonçalo Inacio, sparking hopes of an unlikely comeback. Arsenal began to wobble, with misplaced passes and mounting pressure. Even goalkeeper David Raya was booked for timewasting.

But just as the nerves began to creep in, Odegaard took control. In a stunning solo run, he glided past Inacio and forced Ousmane Diomande into conceding a penalty. Saka coolly converted from the spot, and substitute Leandro Trossard added a late fifth to seal the win. Odegaard, the architect of Arsenal’s dominance, had more touches (82) than any other player except Timber (84), despite being subbed off with 12 minutes to go.

Making a Statement

Critics may question the quality of the Portuguese league, but Arsenal’s performance was undeniably impressive. This was the first time they’ve scored five goals away from home in the Champions League since October 2008. Coming into this match, Arsenal hadn’t scored an away goal in the competition since December, with just one win in their last eight European road games. Tuesday’s emphatic display silenced those doubts.

After the match, Arteta didn’t hesitate to call it the best European away performance of his tenure. “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, better than everyone they’ve played here. To play to that level, with the fluidity that we’ve done today … I’m very pleased.”

Arteta’s faith in his team, even after their 1-0 loss to Inter Milan, now seems justified. “It’s true that the result is very different,” he said. “But with the performance and identity of what I saw against Inter, I was very pleased. I knew that in that pathway, good things were going to happen in Europe.”

With key players returning from injury and competition for places heating up, Arsenal look like a team on the rise. But it’s Odegaard’s influence that feels most transformative. The Premier League learned that last weekend, and now the Champions League has, too.