Arsenal reached the Champions League semi-finals for the second successive year as they beat Sporting Lisbon 1-0 on aggregate.
The Gunners held the lead from last week’s first leg and despite a cagey performance, they comfortably progressed by virtue of a 0-0 draw in the second leg, although Geny Catamo did hit the post for Sporting in the first half.
Mikel Arteta’s side will now take on Atletico Madrid in the final four as they look to end their lengthy trophy drought.
Daily Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN was at the Emirates and he has rated how Arsenal’s players performed on the night.
Arsenal have reached the Champions League semi-finals after overcoming Sporting Lisbon 1-0 on aggregate
ARSENAL (4-2-3-1)
DAVID RAYA: 6
Made an awful pass landing to Pedro Goncalves, which could have led to a goal. Had his goalframe struck by Geny Catamo before half-time.
CRISTHIAN MOSQUERA: 6
Added a defensive solidity that has been missing at right back. Kept resolute on his task — but got away with pushing Maxi Araujo in the back while in the box.
WILLIAM SALIBA: 6
A few errant passes early on, including one on 18 minutes that nearly carved out a chance for Sporting. Bounced back in second period.
GABRIEL: 6.5
Defensively solid. The Brazilian is hard to get past, his physicality and range in tackling a potent combination. That made it tricky for Sporting’s frontline.
PIERO HINCAPIE: 6
A bundle of aggression. Sometimes rash and too eager. But a tough opponent to face up against because of his conviction in challenges.
MARTIN ZUBIMENDI: 7.5
Shaky early on but really stepped up here after some recent underwhelming displays. Broke through with a few surging runs, showing energy and drive in forward areas.
Martin Zubimendi was Arsenal’s best player and he stepped up following his recent struggles
DECLAN RICE: 7
The engine in midfield. Dropped deep to help with defensive duties as the game went on. Covered many yards across the pitch — and still didn’t look spent.
NONI MADUEKE: 5.5
A frustrating figure. Full of energy and a will to drive forward, but lacking in end product again. Hit the side netting on 57 minutes, a great chance. Concerningly hobbled off the pitch injured.
EBERECHI EZE: 6.5
The only real avenue of magic for Arsenal. Silky dribbling skills and daring passes. He needed more of the ball, with his team looking so flat in attack.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6
Made an impression with his tracking back. Struck over the bar on 56 minutes. Needed to get the ball into the area more.
VIKTOR GYOKERES: 5
Wayward across the match, hooked before the hour mark. Had a decent chance early on which he lashed over the bar and was ineffective in holding the ball up for team-mates.
Viktor Gyokeres failed to have an impact against his former club and his display was ‘wayward’
SUBSTITUTES
KAI HAVERTZ: 6
MAX DOWMAN: 6.5
LEANDRO TROSSARD: N/A
GABRIEL JESUS: N/A
MANAGER
MIKEL ARTETA: 6.5
A below-par showing from his side, with a limited attacking outlook. Nevertheless, Arsenal have made the Champions League semi-finals. That deserves credit.
Mikel Arteta’s side will now take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals
Referee – Francois Letexier: 6
SPORTING LISBON (4-2-3-1): Silva 6.5; Quaresma 6.5, Diomande 6.5, Inacio 6.5, Araujo 7; Hjulmand 6, Morita 6; Catamo 6.5 (Quenda 72mins, 6), Trincao 6, Goncalves 6.5 (Braganca 72, 6); Suarez 5.
Manager: Rui Borges 6.5.
