Arsenal exit Europa League after penalty shoot-out loss to Sporting CP

Sporting trailed when Granit Xhaka put Premier League leaders Arsenal ahead in the first half at the Emirates Stadium. But Portugal midfielder Goncalves forced extra-time when he beat Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale with a breath-taking strike from 46 yards out.

Goncalves's bolt from the blue was reminiscent of David Beckham's astonishing long-range chip for Manchester United against Wimbledon that launched him to superstardom in 1996. With a pulsating encounter level at 1-1 on the night and 3-3 on aggregate it needed penalties to settle the tie.

It was Sporting who emerged with a shock victory as Gabriel Martinelli's effort was saved by Antonio Adan and Nuno Santos dispatched the winning kick.

Adding to Arsenal's woes, defenders William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu had limped off injured in the first half after Gunners boss Mikel Arteta tried to protect his key players by making five changes. Arsenal haven't won a European trophy since lifting the Cup-Winners' Cup in 1994 and their wait will go on for another year.

But the Gunners would gladly swap Europa League success for a long-awaited Premier League title. Arsenal sit five points clear of second placed Manchester City in the Premier League as they chase a first title since 2004.

It was Sporting's first victory in England since 2005 when they beat Middlesbrough in the UEFA Cup. Arteta had fielded a strong side in the first leg in Lisbon, but was more cautious ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace, resting Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard, Ben White and Thomas Partey.

 

March 16, 2023

Bewildered Ramsdale

Arteta's one concession to Arsenal's attempt to reach the last eight was including Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus for his first start since undergoing knee surgery following his injury at the World Cup last year. Jesus, who came off the bench against Fulham on Sunday for his first appearance since the injury, nearly marked his return with a goal as he stretched to reach Reiss Nelson's cross, forcing Adan to save at full stretch.

Arsenal moved ahead in the 19th minute when Gabriel Martinelli got behind the Sporting defence for a shot that was parried out by Adan, with Xhaka lashing in the rebound from 12 yards. The sight of Saliba limping off moments later dampened the celebrations of Xhaka's fifth goal this season.

Arteta's men recovered their composure after the French centre-back's dispiriting departure and Jesus wriggled into space for a low strike that was smartly saved by Adan. Arteta had seen enough of Jesus's injury problems and took off Jesus at the interval to preserve his star striker.

But Sporting mounted a strong showing in the second half and their pressure was rewarded in stunning style in the 62nd minute. When Jorginho lost possession in the centre circle, Goncalves seized his chance, looking up to see Ramsdale off his line before unfurling an incredible lofted strike from just inside the Gunners half that arrowed over the Arsenal keeper and dipped in under the bar.

Ramsdale sat bewildered in the back of his own net and shell-shocked Arsenal almost conceded again when Paulinho headed just over.

Sporting's Marcus Edwards and Arsenal substitute Trossard both spurned glorious chances to win it before Lisbon's Manuel Ugarte was sent off for a second bookable offence when he clattered into Bukayo Saka in the 118th minute.

 

March 16, 2023