Arsenal deliver Champions League statement of intent: Mikel Arteta

LISBON – Mikel Arteta said that Arsenal delivered a Champions League statement of intent with their 5-1 away demolition of Sporting Lisbon on Nov 26.

The Gunners boss had demanded a dynamic display from his team ahead of their trip to the Jose Alvalade Stadium, and they responded in style.

Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard lifted the team into seventh place – before Nov 27’s round of fixtures – in the Champions League as they chase a place in the last 16.

It was Arsenal’s biggest away win in the competition since Arsene Wenger’s men thrashed Inter Milan by the same scoreline in 2003.

“I’m very happy. It’s a big result against a big opponent. We wanted to make that statement,” Arteta said.

“I felt really good energy and belief before the match. The first half was exceptional... We were really clever, really intelligent and really efficient.

“After we conceded, we showed a lot of personality to bring the game back. Then we scored the fourth goal and that’s when the game changed again.”

Ending Sporting’s 19-game unbeaten start to the season in all competitions, just weeks after the Portuguese champions had crushed Manchester City 4-1 in Lisbon, served notice that Arsenal are back on track.

The Gunners have fallen nine points behind English Premier League leaders Liverpool, but last weekend’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest was the first sign of a revival that gathered pace against Sporting.

While Arsenal will still need a huge surge to win their first English title since 2004, Arteta can take heart from a dynamic display he rated as their best away day in Europe since he took charge five years ago.

“For sure, especially against opposition we played at their home, so to play with the level, the purpose and the fluidity we showed today, I am very pleased. The team played with so much courage, because they are so good. When I’m watching them live, they are so good,” he added.

Urging Arsenal to replicate the passion and intensity they showed against Sporting as they look to win the Champions League for the first time, Arteta said: “When you play in this competition against these teams, you have to enjoy it.

“What I loved about this team is the way that they flowed. They played with purpose. If you want to be challenging for big trophies, you have to be consistent.”

Martin Odegaard did not get on the scoresheet, but the Gunners captain – back to his best after a lengthy injury absence – was a key figure with his astute passing, high-tempo pressing and clever movements.

Saka admitted Odegaard was sorely missed after the midfielder suffered an ankle problem on international duty with Norway in September.

“He’s an unbelievable player. The day he returned, there was a big smile on my face,” the England winger said.

“You can see the chemistry we have. I hope he stays fit for the rest of the season.” AFP