9 March 2023 at 17:45
Match Summary
Sporting CP and Arsenal drew 2:2. The match was played in UEFA Europa League 2022. Goals were scored by W. Saliba 22′, Gonçalo Inácio 34′, Paulinho 55′, H. Morita 62′ (o.g.). 4 yellow cards were shown. Sporting CP had 32% possession while Arsenal held 68%. Sporting CP had 10 shots (6 on target) compared to 14 (7 on target) for Arsenal. Expected goals: Sporting CP 2.21 — Arsenal 1.99. Sporting CP made 4 substitutions, Arsenal made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Sporting CP and Arsenal — 4 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Fábio Vieira
assist: M. Edwards
Own Goal
Match Statistics
Sporting CP had 32% possession against Arsenal's 68%. Sporting CP registered 10 shots (6 on target) while Arsenal managed 14 (7 on target). Corner kicks: 3–9. Fouls committed: 9–6.
Lineups
Sporting CP lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under Ruben Amorim, while Arsenal deployed a 4-3-3 under Mikel Arteta.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Sporting CP is 7.21, compared to 7.01 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 (7.59), while Arsenal's best-rated player is J. Kiwior (7.27).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Sporting CP have contributed 21 goals and 25 assists this season, led by Pote (13G). Arsenal's starters account for 9 goals and 10 assists, spearheaded by B. Saka (6G). 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 7.59 on average, against Arsenal's 4-man backline averaging 7.00. 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 7.09, versus Arsenal's 3 rated 7.05. 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 7.21, compared to 3 for Arsenal averaging 7.00. 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 85% for Sporting CP and 73% 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 13 yellow cards this season, compared to 7 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 28.3 (youngest: Gonçalo Inácio (24), oldest: Ricardo Esgaio (32)), while Arsenal average 25.6 (youngest: W. Saliba (24), oldest: O. Zinchenko (29)). 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 19 league appearances each, versus 13 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
Coach: Ruben Amorim
Substitutes
Coach: Mikel Arteta
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Sporting CP have recorded 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats. Arsenal show 1 wins, 1 draws and 4 losses from their last 6 outings.
Sporting CP
Arsenal
Sporting CP vs Arsenal Head to Head Results
Sporting CP and Arsenal have met 5 times — Sporting CP won 0, Arsenal won 3, with 2 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2018. Arsenal leads the head-to-head with 3 victories from 5 meetings. A combined 8 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 1.60 per match (1 for the home side, 7 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 matches (20%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (20%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Arsenal are currently unbeaten in the last 5 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 1–5 in 2024.
0
Sporting CP
2
Drawn
3
Arsenal
Recent Meetings (5)
API data: 15 Mar 2026