ARSENAL were made to work hard in Portugal as they secured a nervy 2-2 draw against Sporting Lisbon.
Goals from William Saliba and Granit Xhaka saw the Gunners secure a stalemate away from home on Thursday.
And there is all to play for in next week’s return leg at the Emirates.
But who was Arsenal’s best player on the night?
And did anyone have a game to forget?
Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman delivers his Arsenal player ratings…
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MATT TURNER – 5
Always a risk bringing a second-choice goalie in for knockout football.
Lacked the confidence of No1 Aaron Ramsdale.
And he palmed ball straight into Paulinho for Sporting’s second goal.
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BEN WHITE – 5
Not his usual composed self after finding himself in and out of team in recent weeks.
Passing was OK despite positioning being questionable.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Proving himself to be Arsenal’s real leader at the back.
Took his goal well but could not get a rise out of his defensive partner.
JAKUB KIWIOR – 4
Inexplicably ducked out of the way for Sporting’s equaliser.
Optimistic fans who hailed him as the world’s best ball-playing defender may need a rethink.
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO – 6
Looked to drift into central positions and was aggressive in the tackle.
But often left his flank exposed for Sporting’s wide-men.
FABIO VIEIRA – 8
Finally getting a chance to show what he’s all about, bagging an assist on return to Portugal.
Ace filled Martin Odegaard’s boots well and pulled strings throughout the game.
JORGINHO – 5
Was pressed hard by Sporting’s midfielders as he attempted to keep side ticking over.
Tried to be adventurous with passing but struggled to keep pace with physical opponents.
GRANIT XHAKA – 6
Captain attempted to rouse teammates with tenacity.
But could never get past second gear and was caught out several times.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
Always a lively threat down the right and made himself constantly available for attacks.
Didn’t appear to be weighed down by ongoing contract negotiations.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6
Deployed in an unfamiliar role down the middle and never looked fully comfortable.
Dropped deep to help out in midfield when needed, with work-rate still on point.
REISS NELSON – 7
Will go down as a cult hero after late winner against Bournemouth should Gunners win the title.
And it was another impressive performance for ace as he plays his way to a new contract.
SUBS
Takehiro Tomiyasu (for Zinchenko, 65′) – 6
Picked up where teammate left off and kept things tight on the left.
Gabriel Magalhaes (for Kiwior, 70′) – 6
A marked improvement on the youngster, brought more stability through the middle.
Emile Smith Rowe (for Nelson, 70′) – 6
Still rusty after injury but good to get minutes on the field.
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Thomas Partey (for Jorginho, 70′) – 6
Needed the rest but introduction at some stage was necessary and did his usual reliable job.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
