Kai Havertz scored a stoppage-time winner to take Arsenal to a crucial 1-0 victory against Sporting in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal in Lisbon on Tuesday.
The last-eight showdown looked to be heading for a goalless draw before substitute Havertz latched on to Gabriel Martinelli’s ball to deliver a fine finish in the first minute of added time to put Arsenal in control of the contest ahead of next week’s return match at the Emirates.
Arsenal had David Raya to thank for keeping them alive with a wonderful early save to deny Maxi Araujo. Raya also produced a fine double stop late in the contest to keep Arsenal on level terms before Havertz struck.
Mikel Arteta’s side headed into Tuesday’s encounter following consecutive defeats for the first time this season, which have reduced their trophy aspirations from four to two.
But this was the perfect boost for the Gunners as they bid to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the second season in a row for the first time in their history, and a timely boost ahead of their Premier League home match against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Raya, who was left out by Arteta for both of Arsenal’s recent cup defeats, proved just why that was the wrong decision when he produced a brilliant diving save with his right glove to tip Araujo’s thunderous drive from Ousmane Diomande’s stunning defence-splitting pass on to the crossbar after six minutes. A world-class intervention from a player at the very top of his game.
At the other end, Noni Madueke’s in-swinging corner struck the Sporting woodwork, with Martin Odegaard spraying his follow-up wide. Arsenal did well to weather the early storm but they failed to pose a significant threat on Rui Silva’s goal.
