Arsenal delivered a dominant display on Tuesday night as from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes put them three in front by half time. Gonçalo Inacio pulled a goal back for Sporting shortly after the break but Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard struck to seal Arsenal’s win.
Thomas Partey registered a massive performance at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield and Arteta has backed up the 31-year-old to be a ‘massive player’ for his side this season.
After his efforts against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, the midfielder picked up where he left off in Lisbon, with his progressive passing a feature, not to mention his ability to help control the middle of the park and his delightful dink to spring Bukayo Saka free to tee up Kai Havertz’s goal to double Arsenal’s lead.
Arteta was also confident of seeing more from his Arsenal squad with players now returning from injury. With a fully fit Partey, we have seen what a difference it can make to the whole dynamic of Arteta’s team, and that was on display in Lisbon, with Thomas controlling things and allowing others to go about their business.
See also: Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur 0-4: Premier League – as it happened
