Arsenal

Arsenal player ratings: Jakub Kiwior struggles but Fabio Vieira shines in Sporting CP draw

Charles Watts
Charles Watts Click here to see more stories from this author
Last updated
Comments (0)
Jakub Kiwior Arsenal Sporting CP
Getty Images
The Gunners grabbed a second half equaliser to earn a draw in Lisbon

A freak own goal ensured an under par Arsenal escaped Portugal with a 2-2 draw following the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash at Sporting Lisbon.

Mikel Arteta's side got off to a fine start and got in front thanks to a William Saliba header, but goals either side of half-time from Goncalo Inacio and Paulinho gave Sporting a deserved lead.

Arsenal responded well, however, and got a crucial equaliser ahead of next week's second leg when Granit Xhaka's pass deflected off Hidemasa Morita and snuck into the corner.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Jose Alvalade Stadium.

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
    Getty Images

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Matt Turner (5/10):

    Looked a bag of nerves all night. Made a couple of good saves, but was clearly very rusty.

    Ben White (6/10):

    Got caught out position a few times as Sporting looked to get in down their left side.

    William Saliba (8/10):

    Rose well to open the scoring. Arsenal's best defender on the night.

    Jakub Kiwior (5/10):

    Really poor for the first goal. Should have gone for the ball, even if Turner did give a call.

    Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):

    His movement caused Sporting problems and he made some nice passes. Slack in possession at times.

  2. Midfield
    Getty Images

    Midfield

    Jorginho (6/10):

    His lack of pace was exposed at times, but he moved the ball well when in possession.

    Granit Xhaka (6/10):

    Close to scoring when his header was stopped on the line. His pass lead to the own goal.

    Fabio Vieira (8/10):

    Always lively. Good delivery for the first goal. Always a threat.

  4. Attack

    Attack

    Bukayo Saka (5/10):

    Couldn't really get into the game, although played a role in the second goal.

    Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):

    Never stopped working. So close to a stunning individual goal.

    Reiss Nelson (5/10):

    Never really in the game. No repeat of his heroics from Saturday.

  5. Subs & Manager
    Getty Images

    Subs & Manager

    Takehiro Tomiyasu (7/10):

    One lovely nutmeg was his highlight. Good cameo.

    Emile Smith Rowe (5/10):

    Never really involved.

    Thomas Partey (5/10):

    Couldn't make the difference.

    Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):

    Immediately made the defence more solid.

    Mikel Arteta (6/10):

    Made six changes, but will still be disappointed with the performance.