Arsenal Crush Sporting Lisbon In Champions League To Extend Revival

Arsenal extended their revival with a ruthless 5-1 rout of Sporting Lisbon to bolster their bid to reach the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday. Mikel Arteta's side ended a three-match winless run in all competitions by beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the Premier League last weekend. And the Gunners built on that success with an even more dynamic display at the Jose Alvalade stadium. Gabriel Martinelli gave Arsenal an early lead and Kai Havertz increased their advantage before Gabriel Magalhaes struck just before half-time.

Goncalo Inacio got one back for Sporting, but Bukayo Saka's penalty underlined the gulf in class between the teams.

Leandro Trossard netted late on to give Arsenal five away goals in a Champions League game for the first time since 2008.

Arsenal's third win in five Champions League matches this season lifted them into seventh place, with the top eight teams in the revamped tournament earning automatic qualification for the last 16.

Sporting's first defeat in Europe's elite club competition this season leaves them below Arsenal on goal difference.

Arsenal are nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after their dip, but this swaggering effort suggested they are finally back in the groove.

Arteta had challenged Arsenal to make a statement against Sporting and they responded in emphatic fashion.

The north Londoners' first away win in the Champions League in six attempts was a welcome tonic after a 1-0 loss at Inter Milan in their last European fixture.

Arsenal's impressive performance was all the more notable as Sporting had crushed Manchester City 4-1 in their final Champions League game under Ruben Amorim, who has since taken charge of Manchester United.

Joao Pereira has replaced Amorim as