Match Summary
Arsenal defeated Sporting CP 5:1. The match was played in UEFA Champions League 2024. Goals were scored by Gabriel Martinelli 7′, K. Havertz 22′, Gabriel Magalhães 45′, Gonçalo Inácio 47′, B. Saka 65′ (pen.), L. Trossard 82′. 2 yellow cards were shown. Sporting CP had 52% possession while Arsenal held 48%. Sporting CP had 19 shots (8 on target) compared to 13 (9 on target) for Arsenal. Expected goals: Sporting CP 1.05 — Arsenal 3.89. Sporting CP made 5 substitutions, Arsenal made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Sporting CP and Arsenal — 6 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
assist: J. Timber
assist: B. Saka
assist: D. Rice
assist: Trincão
Penalty
Match Statistics
Sporting CP had 52% possession against Arsenal's 48%. Sporting CP registered 19 shots (8 on target) while Arsenal managed 13 (9 on target). Corner kicks: 8–3. Fouls committed: 6–8.
Lineups
Sporting CP lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under João Pereira, while Arsenal deployed a 4-3-3 under Mikel Arteta.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Sporting CP is 7.18, compared to 7.18 for Arsenal. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Sporting CP's highest-rated starter is Gonçalo Inácio (7.32), while Arsenal's best-rated player is D. Rice (7.49).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Sporting CP have contributed 7 goals and 4 assists this season, led by Trincão (4G). Arsenal's starters account for 3 goals and 6 assists, spearheaded by J. Timber (1G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Sporting CP deploy 3 defenders rated 7.32 on average, against Arsenal's 4-man backline averaging 7.06. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Sporting CP field 4 midfielders averaging 7.04, versus Arsenal's 3 rated 7.36. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Sporting CP start 3 forward(s) averaging 7.32, compared to 3 for Arsenal averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 86% for Sporting CP and 86% for Arsenal. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Sporting CP's starters have collected 8 yellow cards this season, compared to 5 for Arsenal. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Sporting CP's starting XI is 26.0 (youngest: Gonçalo Inácio (24), oldest: J. St. Juste (29)), while Arsenal average 25.6 (youngest: R. Calafiori (23), oldest: Gabriel Magalhães (28)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Sporting CP's starters average 9 league appearances each, versus 6 for Arsenal. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Sporting CP have recorded 4 wins, 1 draws and 1 defeats. Arsenal show 4 wins, 1 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Sporting CP
Arsenal
API data: 15 Mar 2026