Arsenal secured their place within the Champions League semi-finals after a 0-0 draw in opposition to Sporting on the Emirates, progressing 1-0 on mixture.
It was removed from a convincing show from Mikel Arteta’s aspect, however their first-leg benefit proved sufficient to get them over the road.
Whereas Sporting confirmed flashes of promise, they finally lacked the leading edge required to power further time in North London.
Cagey first half with few clear possibilities
The opening phases set the tone for what would turn into a nervy night. Arsenal dominated possession early on, circulating the ball patiently however struggling to penetrate Sporting’s well-organised defence.
Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres each fired over from the sting of the field with out severely testing the goalkeeper early on.
Sporting, in the meantime, regularly grew into the competition and started to look extra threatening on the break. Francisco Trincao and Pedro Goncalves each had half-chances, however couldn’t make something of it.
The most effective alternative of the primary half fell to Geny Catamo, who met a lofted cross on the again put up and struck first time throughout aim, solely to see his effort clip the upright and bounce large.
It was a warning signal for Arsenal, who appeared more and more uneasy because the break approached.
Arsenal battle after the break
The second half adopted the same sample, with Arsenal seeing loads of the ball however failing to translate possession into clear possibilities.
Gabriel Martinelli offered occasional bursts of power down the left, whereas Eze continued to probe from central areas.
On the different finish, Sporting loved their finest spell of sustained strain halfway by means of the half. Their midfield started to dictate the tempo, and crosses into the field precipitated momentary concern, but they struggled to generate high-quality alternatives.
A notable probability got here when Maxi Araújo drove a robust shot narrowly large after a slick attacking transfer.
Because the clock ticked down, pressure across the Emirates grew. Arsenal more and more centered on controlling possession and slowing the tempo, prioritising recreation administration over chasing a second aim within the tie.
They nearly put the end result past doubt late on when Leandro Trossard rose highest on the again put up to satisfy a nook, solely to see his header rebound off the upright.
Sporting continued to push within the closing minutes however lacked the urgency and high quality wanted to really bother Arsenal’s defence.
Their last alternative got here deep into stoppage time, when substitute Joao Simoes struck a low effort from the sting of the field that drifted narrowly into the side-netting.
Job executed, however larger exams forward
In the long run, Arsenal did simply sufficient. It was not a efficiency that may stay lengthy within the reminiscence, nevertheless it demonstrated the form of management typically required in knockout soccer.
Arteta’s aspect now transfer into the semi-finals for the second consecutive season, although a major step up in efficiency can be wanted if they’re to go additional.
