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Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa League with a goalless draw at home to 10-man Sporting in a game overshadowed by a potentially serious ankle injury to England forward Danny Welbeck.
A victory for Qarabag against Vorskla Poltava meant this 0-0 draw was enough to secure the Gunners’ progress from Group E as Sporting had Jeremy Mathieu sent off late on for scything down Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as he burst through on goal.
But it was Welbeck’s injury just before the half hour mark that was the main talking point from a largely forgettable Emirates Stadium encounter.
90 + 4 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Nani is down for Sporting. Looks like cramp. The home fans aren't happy.
90 + 5 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Corner to Arsenal as Coates clears Guendouzi's cross.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Arsenal are held to a draw by Sporting but could still qualify for the knockout stages tonight.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
CONFIRMED: ARSENAL QUALIFY FOR THE KNOCKOUT STAGES OF THE EUROPA LEAGUE.
Vorskla were beaten by Qarabag in the other game in Group E, meaning the Gunners have qualified for the last 32, despite dropping points against Sporting.
Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
So then, Arsenal join Chelsea in the knockout stages of the Europa League.
This was far from the Gunners' best performance of the season and they failed to find a winner despite Sporting being reduced to ten men in the closing stages.
The game was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Danny Welbeck in the first half, with the Arsenal striker stretchered after sustaining a leg injury. He's now said to be having tests in hospital.
Sporting never really threatened to win the game but defended well at times, with defenders Coates and Mathieu being called into action on a number of occasions. The latter was sent off in the closing stages after bringing down Aubameyang just outside the box.
Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan both had chances to win the game in the second half, but Unai Emery's side were unable to snatch all three points.
However, Vorskla Poltava's loss to Qarabag in the other game in Group E means that Arsenal have successfully navigated their way to the knockout stages. The Gunners have accumulated 10 points so far and still have two matches remaining. Sporting are in second with seven points.
That's all from us here for now.
I've been Jack Sear for The Independent. Thank you for joining me.
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