Arsenal FC player ratings vs Sporting CP: David Raya steps up again as Declan Rice proves his importance

Sport | Football

Arsenal player ratings vs Sporting CP: David Raya steps up again as Declan Rice proves his importance

Kai Havertz’s late goal changes the complexion of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final first leg

Star man | David Raya

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Matt Verri

2 minutes ago

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Kai Havertz struck in stoppage-time to snatch a 1-0 victory for Arsenal over Sporting CP in the Champions League.

The Gunners had for 90 minutes been ponderous and uninspiring in attack, seemingly content to return to north London with a goalless draw at the halfway stage of their quarter-final tie.

It got better than that, though, with Havertz getting on the end of Gabriel Martinelli’s ball and calmly slotting past Rui Silva to put the Gunners firmly on course to reach the semi-finals.

Matt Verri was at the Estadio Jose Alvalade to rate the Arsenal players...

David Raya 8

Sensational stop to deny Araujo and sharp to keep out Catamo’s header. Distribution was good and brought much more calm to the Arsenal defence than Kepa has. Well-positioned a couple of times to mop up balls over the top.

Ben White 4

Given nightmares by Araujo, who kept getting in behind. Loose on the ball and attempts to link up with Madueke were really poor. That flank was a real weakness for Arsenal defensively.

William Saliba 7

Strong up against Suarez, who primarily picked Saliba as his sparring partner. Dominated that duel in the opening 45 minutes, but became more even in the second-half. Very nearly caught on the ball twice.

Read More

Kai Havertz on target as Arsenal leave it late to beat Sporting CP

Sporting CP vs Arsenal LIVE: Result and updates from Champions League

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich LIVE: Latest score and updates from Champions League

Sponsored

Rediscover your adventurous side on an exotic getaway

Gabriel 6

Quiet night by his standards. Only had to make one headed clearance and otherwise not too much to cause him problems. Most of Sporting’s threat came out wide rather than through the middle.

Riccardo Calafiori 5

Looked rattled at times by Catamo and was rash with some of his challenges. Sat down too easily for a big Sporting chance late on. Got in behind in attack once but cut-back was weak.

Martin Zubimendi 6

Caught on the ball more than once in midfield, looked rushed when Sporting pressed him. Nice strike beat Silva, though VAR denied him, and he improved in the second-half.

Denied: Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Declan Rice 8

Three early interceptions immediately highlighted how important he is for Arsenal. Was everywhere in midfield and brilliantly tracked Trincao when slotting in at left-back. The driving force in this Arsenal side.

Noni Madueke 6

Had the beating of Araujo one-on-one and won Arsenal free-kicks in dangerous position. Great corner curled straight onto the bar. Familiar story - some promise but no end product.

Martin Odegaard 5

Wasteful again when dragging a decent chance wide in the first half. Had the most touches when he went off after 70 minutes but it was all too safe and slow. No cutting edge and really faded.

Leandro Trossard 4

Drifted into central areas but nothing positive came from it. Two terrible efforts from distance. Contributions are not good enough for a regular starter on the wing - no goals in 2026.

Viktor Gyokeres 4

Anonymous in the first half. Offside in the build-up to Zubimendi’s disallowed goal after the break, before having tame shot saved. Shadow of the striker Sporting fans used to love, even if that is not all his fault.

Substitutes:

Kai Havertz (Odegaard 70’) 7

As quiet a cameo as you will see until he popped up in the box to slot in and win the match for Arsenal.

Kai Havertz provided the decisive moment for Arsenal

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Gabriel Martinelli (Trossard 76’) 7

Great clipped ball into Havertz’s path to create the winner. Looked sharp before that too, forcing Rui Silva into a decent save.

Max Dowman (Madueke 76’) 6

Positive running with it and fouled three times in quick succession after coming on.

MORE ABOUT

Click here to read article