Nov 27,2024
Mikel Arteta hailed the best away European performance of his Arsenal reign after watching his side dismantle Sporting Lisbon 5-1.
The Gunners delivered the statement Champions League victory their manager had demanded to bounce back from a narrow defeat at Inter Milan last time out.
Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard got their continental campaign back on track, lifting them to seventh place with 10 points in the new-look 36-team table.
It was Arsenal's biggest away win in the Champions League since beating Inter by the same scoreline in 2003.
"For sure, especially against opposition we played at their home who have not lost a game in 18 months - they have been in top form here - so to play with the level, the determination, the purpose and the fluidity we showed today, I am very pleased," said Arteta.
"The team played with so much courage, because they are so good. When I'm watching them live they are so good! They were all exceptional today. It was a big performance, a big win and we are really happy.
"The performance was there a few times when we have played big teams. That's the level that we have to be able to cope and you have to make it happen, and that creates belief."
