David Raya was Arsenal’s standout performer in Lisbon before Kai Havertz came off the bench to seal a 1-0 Champions League win at Sporting CP.
Arsenal left Lisbon with a 1-0 advantage in their Champions League quarter-final, but they owed as much to David Raya’s brilliance as they did to Kai Havertz’s stoppage-time finish. Sporting were the sharper side early on, Arsenal improved after the break, Martin Zubimendi had a goal ruled out, and Havertz eventually settled the first leg at the death.
David Raya - 9/10
Arsenal’s best player by some distance. His early save kept the tie level when Sporting threatened to seize control, and he produced another huge intervention late on when the game was still goalless. This was the sort of away performance a goalkeeper remembers, not only because of the quality of the stops but because of their timing. Arsenal do not leave Portugal with a lead without him.
Ben White - 6/10
A mixed but committed display. He had difficult moments against Sporting’s movement and intensity, yet he settled into the contest and defended with more assurance as the match wore on. Not spectacular, but he stuck at it.
William Saliba - 7/10
Strong in the second half after a slightly uneasy start for the back line. Saliba’s calmness became more important as Arsenal grew into the game, and he helped make sure the tie stayed alive long enough for the late breakthrough.
Gabriel Magalhaes - 7/10
An important return. He brought aggression and presence after the Southampton scare, and Arsenal needed both in a game that was physical and uncomfortable for stretches. A reassuring comeback.
Riccardo Calafiori - 7/10
One of Arsenal’s more progressive defenders on the night. He carried the ball well, supported attacks when possible and recovered defensively after Sporting’s bright opening spell.
Martin Zubimendi - 6.5/10
Neat in possession and thought he had made the breakthrough with a well-taken goal, only for it to be ruled out. There were times when he could have imposed himself more, but he helped Arsenal gain better control after half-time.
Declan Rice - 8/10
One of Arsenal’s most important outfield players. He gave the midfield force, covered ground well and helped swing momentum back towards the visitors after Sporting’s stronger start. A serious performance in a serious game.
Martin Odegaard - 7/10
Not at his most influential in the final third, but he helped Arsenal find rhythm when the game threatened to drift away from them. Grew into it and became more useful as the contest slowed.
Noni Madueke - 7/10
Lively early and one of the few Arsenal attackers willing to take risks. He helped stretch Sporting and was unfortunate not to get more joy from some promising moments.
Leandro Trossard - 6.5/10
Worked hard and linked play reasonably well, though without producing enough in the decisive moments. Useful rather than decisive.
Viktor Gyokeres - 6/10
A difficult return to his former club. He was involved in patches and his movement mattered, but the game never really opened up for him in the way Arsenal would have wanted.
Substitutes
Kai Havertz - 8/10
Came on and decided the tie, which is ultimately what matters. Took the late goal calmly and changed the mood of the night in one touch.
Gabriel Martinelli - 7.5/10
Excellent impact from the bench. His burst of energy altered the game and his pass for Havertz’s winner was the most decisive creative action of the night.
Max Dowman - 6/10
A brief cameo, but another big moment in his emergence.