What we learned from Arsenal win vs Sporting as Gyokeres return falls flat

Arsenal’s win over Sporting CP might not have been pretty, but it could prove one of their most important results of the season.

Mikel Arteta’s side edged the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Kai Havertz, sealing a 1-0 victory that puts them in control of the tie. It was exactly the kind of performance Arteta had demanded pre-match, built on resilience and defensive discipline.

Still, the game raised just as many questions as it answered.

This was not a performance built on attacking fluency. For long stretches, Arsenal struggled to create meaningful chances, and a draw would not have looked out of place.

However, what stood out was their ability to stay compact and react quickly when needed. One moment early in the second half summed it up, as Sporting broke forward only for Arsenal players to sprint back and recover their defensive shape, forcing the attack to slow down.

From the last few weeks of Arsenal’s campaign, that work-rate has often been there even when results have dipped. After a difficult run that included a Carabao Cup final defeat and FA Cup exit, this win felt more about stability than style.

The reward came late, with Havertz converting from close range to give Arsenal a narrow advantage heading into the second leg.

Despite the win, Arsenal’s attacking issues remain clear. The overall xG stayed low, and clear chances were limited throughout the game.

Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli both tested from distance, but there was little sustained threat in the final third. Much of Arsenal’s play felt controlled rather than incisive.

That is where Max Dowman continues to stand out.

The 16-year-old made an immediate impact after coming on, drawing fouls and attempting to drive forward whenever he had the ball. While not everything came off, his intent offered something different.

Having followed Arsenal closely in recent weeks, his cameo in Lisbon felt like a continuation of what he showed against Southampton. There is a growing case for him to be given more responsibility during the run-in.

However, it remains too early to say how quickly Arteta will increase his role.

There was plenty of focus on Viktor Gyokeres returning to face his former club, but the night never really developed for him.

The reception inside the Estadio Jose Alvalade was relatively low-key, and his performance followed a similar pattern. He struggled to get involved, particularly in the first half where he had limited touches and little service.

That was not entirely down to him. Arsenal’s attacking play rarely created situations that allowed him to operate facing goal.

There were brief signs of involvement after the break, including a shot on target after creating space in the box, but overall it was a quiet outing for a striker known for his influence.

Arsenal will take a narrow advantage into the second leg in London, where they will look to finish the job and reach the Champions League semi-finals. Before that, they return to Premier League action against Bournemouth, a match that now carries added importance after their recent dip in form.

Momentum from this result could be significant, but much will depend on whether they can improve their attacking output in the coming games.