Both sides had not been majorly tested so far in the competition coming in to this ficture, with them knowing that the outcome of the contest would have a major bearing on who will finish top of their group.
The game started in energetic fashion with both teams looking to play a high-tempo game in and out of posession, with plenty of full-blooded challenges flying in the first period.
For all the enthusiasm, there were very few clear chances for eiher side, with Henrikh Mkhitarayan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in particular being left frustrated in the attacking thrid with their final ball letting them down.
Arsenal's defence had an assured start to the game, with Rob Holding particularly standing out. Despite that, they almost gifted Sporting a goal after some sloppy passing out from the back saw the home side regain the ball and get it to Nani, the former Man Utd man's shot just going over the bar from range.
The second half saw Arsenal come out with a lot more urgency in the final third, with Aubmeyang having two excellent chances to put the away side ahead within the first six minutes of the half.
The Gambon international's second attempt in particular drew a fine save from Renan Ribeiro in the Sporting goal, who pulled off a string of good save as the half went on.
Unai Emery's men were the only ones who looked like scoring, and another warning was given when Danny Welback headed the ball in to the net on 67 minutes. Luckily for Sporting, the referee judged him to have fouled the defender as he jumped to get on the end of the cross.
And with 12 minutes left on the clock, the ex-Man Utd man had the ball in the back of the net again. Sebastian Coates should have dealt with a Aubameyang flick, but his touch was poor and allowed Welbeck to pick his pocket. The forward then carried the ball in to the box and fired the ball under Ribeiro to finally get his name on the scoresheet.
The 'Gunners' had more chances to add to their tally from then, while the Portuguese outfit grew increasingly frustrated as the final whistle neared, picking up two yellow cards in the final minutes for rash conduct.
Even with the heroics of their goalkeeper, Jose Peseiro can't have too many complaints about the result as his team created virtually nothing in the last third to merit anything from the game.
Meanwhile, Arsenal now take their winning streak to 11 games in all competitions, as well as putting them in prime position to top their group.
October 25, 2018