Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard proved to be a handle for Sporting Lisbon as Arsenal eased to a 5-1 win in a Champions League clash in Portugal on Tuesday night.
Gabriel Martinelli tapped in a pinpoint Jurrien Timber cross to put the Gunners in front after nine minutes at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, before Kai Havertz added a second for the Gunners off Saka’s cheeky nutmeg assist.
The Gunners went into the break 3-0 up after Gabriel rose highest to head home a Declan Rice corner-kick just before half time, as Mikel Arteta’s side ensured there would be no repeat of Sporting’s memorable demolition of Manchester City on Match-day 4.
Goncalo Inacio pulled one back for the Primeira Liga leaders two minutes into the second half, but Saka restored Arsenal’s three-goal advantage with a well-struck penalty in the 65th minute.
Substitute, Leandro Trossard, then headed in from close range as he reacted fastest to the Sporting keeper denying Havertz a second goal in the 82nd minute.
Elsewhere in the Champions League on Tuesday night, Mateo Retegui and Charles de Ketelaere scored a brace each while former Arsenal defender, Sead Kolasinac, scored his first-ever Champions League goal as Atalanta crushed Young Boys 6-1 in Switzerland.
AC Milan held off a spirited comeback against 10-man Slovan Bratislava for a 3-2 win, while Julian Alvarez scored twice to emerge Player of the Match in a 6-0 win for Atletico Madrid at Sparta Prague.
Antoine Griezmann came off the bench for Atletico to make his 100th Champions League appearance, and marked the special occasion with a goal – his 38th career goal in the competition.