Europa League: Welbeck goals gives Arsenal win against Sporting Lisbon

Danny Welbeck’s late winner gave Arsenal victory over Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, as they retained their place at the top of Europa League Group E.

The striker pounced on a Sebastian Coates error and slotted a shot through the keeper’s legs after 77 minutes.

Earlier in the second half, Welbeck had a headed goal ruled out after he was judged to have fouled the defender in the build-up.

Arsenal have now extended their winning run to 11 games in all competitions.

Gunners patience pays off

After Monday evening’s impressive Premier League win over Leicester, there was plenty of Arsenal optimism, even though they had never beaten a Portuguese side away from home, losing on their past three visits.

The first half seemed to point towards a dreary goalless draw despite the Gunners controlling the possession – with the visitors managing just two tame shots on target before the break – but they ultimately got the result they deserved.

Nani had Sporting’s best chance with a high curling effort after half-an-hour before Arsenal winger Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s free-kick was punched away by keeper Renan Ribeiro.

But Arsenal picked up their performance slightly in the second half as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was denied twice.

His chip was well saved after he had used his pace to get in behind centre-back Coates and he had a shot saved from a wide angle.

Those chances seemed to spark a bit of life into Arsenal and shortly afterwards Matteo Guendouzi’s cutback found Welbeck, only for his close-range shot to be deflected out for a corner.

But Arsenal’s determination to turn their 67% possession into a goal eventually paid off.

Welbeck’s form under new boss Unai Emery continues to improve and he has now bagged five goals in 10 appearances this season – including two in the Europa League.

Arsenal remain top of the group with nine points from three wins, while Sporting trail in second.

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Source: BBC