Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Sporting vs Arsenal, Europa League: Danny Welbeck's late goal extends Gunners' winning run

Re-live the action from the Estádio José Alvalade

Jack Sear
Thursday 25 October 2018 10:17 EDT
Comments
Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Danny Welbeck scored the only goal of the game as Arsenal beat Europa League rivals Sporting Lisbon to extend their winning streak to 11 games.

After a largely forgettable opening half, the Gunners gradually improved after the interval and took control of Group E with a 1-0 victory at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Welbeck had already seen a header chalked off for a foul but he was on hand to steer home in the 77th minute to settle the contest in favour of Unai Emery's side.

Granit Xhaka started in the unfamiliar role of left-back as Emery made six changes for the game in Portugal, with Welbeck one of those drafted in

The win means a draw in the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium in a fortnight could be enough to seal Arsenal's progression into the last-32 with two games remaining.

The draw leaves both sides on seven points in Group E, with the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium in a fortnight now seemingly pivotal as to who will become favourites to progress in first place.

Re-live the action below:

When is it?

Sporting vs Arsenal kicks off at 17:55 BST

Where to watch?

BT Sport will be showing live coverage on BT Sport 2 and online for customers on the BT Sport app and website.

Odds

Sporting to win: 3/1

Arsenal to win: 5/6

Draw: 11/4

Prediction

Sporting 0-2 Arsenal

Hope for the Gunners

A lacklustre first half from the away side, but here's a stat that offers some hope.

In the 10 games that Arsenal have won in the build up to this one, they've been level at half-time in seven of them.

Bodes well, doesn't it?

Jack Sear25 October 2018 18:53

We're underway again

The second half begins in Lisbon.

Jack Sear25 October 2018 18:58

46 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal

This isn't ideal for Rob Holding. The Arsenal centre-back is booked seconds into the second period after leading into an aerial challenge with his arm.

Jack Sear25 October 2018 18:59

47 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal

Half a chance for Sporting forward Montero. The free-kick is pumped into the Arsenal box before the Colombian heads wide.

Jack Sear25 October 2018 19:00

48 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal

Much better from Arsenal. Guendouzi plays an excellent pass into Mkhitaryan who slides through to Aubameyang. The striker peels off the defender and forces Ribeiro into a save. The corner comes to nothing.

Jack Sear25 October 2018 19:02

50 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal

What a chance for Arsenal and it's Aubameyang again. The Arsenal striker is in behind the two Sporting centre-backs and one-on-one with Ribeiro. He opts to try and lift the ball over the goalkeeper but is denied. Biggest chance yet for the away side.

Jack Sear25 October 2018 19:04

51 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal

That's much more like it from Arsenal, though. If they're to go on and win this it would be typical of Unai Emery's side this season.

Jack Sear25 October 2018 19:05

52 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal

There's a few appeals from the home fans as Sporting pump the ball into the Arsenal box from a free-kick. A bit of a goalmouth scramble follows before Leno collects. Nothing in it.

Jack Sear25 October 2018 19:06

53 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal

That looked a certain goal. Guendouzi does brilliantly to beat the Sporting defender before squaring for Welbeck. His shot looked certain to hit the back of the net but was blocked.

The resulting corner was wasted after Xhaka totally overhit it.

Chances for Arsenal early in the second period.

Jack Sear25 October 2018 19:07

57 minutes: Sporting 0-0 Arsenal

Lucas Torreira is stripped and ready to come on for Arsenal.

Jack Sear25 October 2018 19:10

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in