Arsenal scored a emphatic victory as Mikel Arteta’s powerful side beat Sporting 5-1 in Lisbon to boost their chances of automatic Champions League qualification.

Sporting once again got off to a slow start against Premier League opponents in Europe, just as they did against Manchester City in Ruben Amorim’s final game as manager, but Arsenal didn’t let them off the hook like their rivals had done a few weeks earlier.

Arsenal scored three first-half goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel to give the Gunners a seemingly unassailable lead until half-time, thanks in large part to a brilliant Bukayo Saka who caused havoc down the right.

Less than three minutes after the restart, Sporting pulled one back when centre-back Goncalo Inacio converted a corner at the front post, raising the possibility of an unlikely comeback, although those hopes lasted for less than 20 minutes before Saka’s penalty put the game away.

Substitute Leandro Trossard scored another rebound eight minutes from time after Mikel Merino’s shot was parried by Sporting goalkeeper Franco Israel, putting the result beyond doubt and moving Arsenal up to seventh, ahead of the hosts on goal difference.

Sporting were torn in the first half, particularly on the left, where Jurrien Timber crossed for Martinelli’s opener within 10 minutes, before Saka set up Havertz for the second soon after and Gabriel headed Declan Rice’s corner for the third time.

The home side’s recovery failed after Saka restored the three-goal lead from the penalty spot after seeing his captain Martin Odegaard brought down from behind by Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande and fortunately not receiving a second yellow card.

Arsenal were able to field their best team with Saka, Rice and Odegaard for the first time since August and looked back at their confident best. They now find themselves just outside the automatic qualification places and in eighth place with three games to go.

Arteta: We were exceptional

Mikel Arteta hailed the best European away performance of his term as Arsenal recorded their biggest away win in the Champions League since beating Inter by the same result in 2003.

“Absolutely, especially against the opponents we played at home who haven’t lost a game in 18 months – they were in top form here – so today I will play with the level, the determination, the determination and the fluidity that we showed.” “I’m very happy,” said Arteta.

“The team played with so much courage because they are so good. When I see them live they are so good! They were all exceptional today. It was a great performance, a great win and we are really happy.”

“The performance was there a few times when we played against big teams. That’s the level we have to be up to and you have to do it and that creates belief.”

Saka: This is where Arsenal belong

Arsenal striker Bukayo Saka, who was named player of the match, told TNT Sports:

“We talked about it before the game. We know they were a top team this season, but we believe in ourselves and just had to be ourselves.”

“We played with confidence. Everyone was great and everyone could have won this award (the “Player of the Match” award).

“I’m really proud of all the boys today. This is where we belong, so we showed what level we can play at and we have to keep playing like that.”

On his penalty: “It was important, but I didn’t really feel the pressure. I was confident.”

On playing with Martin Odegaard again: “He’s an incredible player. Today he returned and you can see the big smile on my face.”

“We have good chemistry, I enjoy playing with him. I’m happy he’s back and hope he stays fit for the rest of the season.”

Analysis: Arsenal are in top form at the right time

Just as Manchester City’s season is entering crisis, Arsenal are quietly finding their way back to their best. That win at Sporting, the first by a visiting team in more than a year, was a reminder of how ruthless Mikel Arteta’s side can be.

Arsenal’s mixed form over the last month suggested there could be signs of mental fatigue in a squad that has finished second to Pep Guardiola’s winning machine in the Premier League for two years in a row. This performance allayed those concerns.

Sporting were ready to fight, but Arsenal repelled them with relative ease, claiming back-to-back wins for the first time since the first week of October. The Portuguese champions were never in the game.

Arsenal were dominant from start to finish, no doubt boosted by the return of their star trio who have brought balance to a team that has so often looked disjointed over the last month. They are considered contenders for all the main prizes – as long as they can stay fit.

City are on the road to success and all eyes are on Liverpool in the title race. Arsenal may be nine points behind but will feel time is on their side. Just like in the Champions League, they are exactly right.

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