The Gunners grabbed a second half equaliser to earn a draw in Lisbon
A freak own goal ensured an under par Arsenal escaped Portugal with a 2-2 draw following the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash at Sporting Lisbon.
Mikel Arteta's side got off to a fine start and got in front thanks to a William Saliba header, but goals either side of half-time from Goncalo Inacio and Paulinho gave Sporting a deserved lead.
Arsenal responded well, however, and got a crucial equaliser ahead of next week's second leg when Granit Xhaka's pass deflected off Hidemasa Morita and snuck into the corner.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Matt Turner (5/10):
Looked a bag of nerves all night. Made a couple of good saves, but was clearly very rusty.
Ben White (6/10):
Got caught out position a few times as Sporting looked to get in down their left side.
William Saliba (8/10):
Rose well to open the scoring. Arsenal's best defender on the night.
Jakub Kiwior (5/10):
Really poor for the first goal. Should have gone for the ball, even if Turner did give a call.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):
His movement caused Sporting problems and he made some nice passes. Slack in possession at times.
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Midfield
Jorginho (6/10):
His lack of pace was exposed at times, but he moved the ball well when in possession.
Granit Xhaka (6/10):
Close to scoring when his header was stopped on the line. His pass lead to the own goal.
Fabio Vieira (8/10):
Always lively. Good delivery for the first goal. Always a threat.
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Attack
Bukayo Saka (5/10):
Couldn't really get into the game, although played a role in the second goal.
Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):
Never stopped working. So close to a stunning individual goal.
Reiss Nelson (5/10):
Never really in the game. No repeat of his heroics from Saturday.
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Subs & Manager
Takehiro Tomiyasu (7/10):
One lovely nutmeg was his highlight. Good cameo.
Emile Smith Rowe (5/10):
Never really involved.
Thomas Partey (5/10):
Couldn't make the difference.
Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):
Immediately made the defence more solid.
Mikel Arteta (6/10):
Made six changes, but will still be disappointed with the performance.