Arsenal vs Sporting Lisbon Review


Arsenal 1-0 Sporting Lisbon

Danny Welbeck gives Arsenal their 11th straight win, after a solid display in a evening afternoon in the Portuguese capital. 
Danny Welbeck struck the winner as Arsenal beat Sporting Lisbon 1-0 in Europa League Group E, their 11th straight victory under Unai Emery.
In a first half lacking in clear-cut opportunities, Henrikh Mkhitaryan forced a decent save out of Ribeiro from an angled free-kick, while former Manchester United winger Nani struck narrowly over from long range. In the early stages of the 2nd half, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang force two good saves out of Ruben Ribeiro one-on-one, before Welbeck saw a headed goal ruled out for a push, which was a harsh decision from the referee, in the 67th minute.
Danny Welbeck eventually scored which proved to be the only goal of the game in the 78th minute, after former the Liverpool and Sunderland defender Sebastian Coates' mistake.
The result means Arsenal sit at the top of Group E after three straight wins, and are close to securing a knockout spot with three games remaining.
Arsenal have somewhat become a second half team, and yet again came out with more intent in the second half; Aubameyang forced Ribeiro into a good save from the right side of the box, before Sporting keeper got a hand to the Gabonese striker's shot from 10 yards out.
Welbeck was then dubiously penalised for a push on Gaspar as he headed a looped header into the far corner from Stephan Lichtsteiner's cross.
Arsenal saw out the last period with professionalism and a resolute defensive display earned the Gunners, their first-ever win in Portugal, and handing Sporting only their second home defeat in two years. The only previous home loss came at the hands to Barcelona.
The Referee;
It was a dubious performance from the referee, and some questionable decisions may have influenced the match. Many fans, both of Sporting and Arsenal felt that Sokratis should have or could have been sent off for a professional foul on the last man. Welbeck's header most certainly should have stood. Calls for VAR are still being shouted the loudest, as an already booked Coates head butted Lichsteiner, which would have seen him sent off, and the Danny Welbeck header probably would have been allowed

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