The Premier League leaders endured a miserable night as they were defeated at the 16 level.
Arsenal was eliminated from their Europa League after a painful penalty shootout loss against Sporting CP at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta’s team appeared to be heading to a win after Granit Xhaka scored the side a first half-lead which put them ahead 3-2 on total after the 2-2 opening match draw at Lisbon last week.
The visitors, however, put up excellent second-half performances and were able to draw the game level with the amazing equaliser from Pedro Goncalves who scored a lob to Aaron Ramsdale from just inside the Arsenal half to send the match to extra-time.
The hosts controlled the final thirty minutes but could not get past the outstanding Antonio Adan, who pushed the Leandro Trossard strike into the goal after which he made two great stops to prevent Gabriel Magalhaes from scoring.
The Sporting goalkeeper was later the main hero in the shootout, stopping Gabriel Martinelli’s penalty, as the hosts won 5-3 with spot kicks in order to make it to the quarterfinals.
The loss will hurt more than it normally would have been due to the injuries suffered during the first half.
Goal evaluates Arsenal’s players from Emirates Stadium…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Aaron Ramsdale (6/10):
He was caught off-guard from Pedro Goncalves’ stunning strike however, he did a fantastic job to block Edwards shortly after.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (N/A):
In a matter of minutes, the injured leg was removed.
William Saliba (N/A):
Another victim was injured early due to injuries.
Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):
The look was unusually tense as Sporting Pressed with such a force.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (5/10):
Inability to move forward as the way he normally does, Arsenal was hampered as a result.
Midfield
Jorginho (5/10):
Excellent ball that set up Xhaka’s goal. However, he it was difficult to maintain control in midfield.
Granit Xhaka (6/10):
A good finish that made it 1-0 however, he made a mistake that led to the equaliser.
Fabio Vieira (3/10):
Did well in the first half, however, he was not present for the majority of this match.
Attack
Reiss Nelson (4/10):
The ball was seen a lot However, did nothing with it.
Gabriel Jesus (7/10):
A very lively 45 minutes of show. Encouraging.
Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):
The player was quiet throughout the game however he was able to play an important part in Xhaka’s opening goal. The crucial penalty was missed. The spot-kick was not been kept out of the shootout.
Subs and Managers
Ben White (6/10):
It was early for Tomiyasu as well as a challenging night.
Rob Holding (6/10):
Did a couple of fantastic blocks during the second half however, was a bit sloppy in his possession at times.
Leandro Trossard (6/10):
He had a fantastic chance in extra time, but his shot go over the post. Lively.
Bukayo Saka (6/10):
Wasn’t really threatened when he came on.
Thomas Partey (6/10):
Gave Arsenal some more control following the introduction of.
Martin Odegaard (7/10):
The instant change immediately Arsenal more effective.
Mikel Arteta (6/10):
Will was worried about the performance and injuries.
