Arteta hails 5-1 win over Sporting as best European away display of his tenure

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal's emphatic thrashing of Sporting Lisbon was the best European away performance of his tenure – and could now kick-start the Gunners.

The impressive performance ended a torrid run away from home in the Champions League, which saw the Gunners last win in Europe against Sevilla in October last year.

The last time Arsenal scored five goals away from home in Europe was a 5-2 win over Fenerbahçe in October 2008.

It left Arteta purring about his players after beating a side unbeaten both domestically and in Europe this season.

When asked if this was the best European away game under him, he said: “Definitely, especially against the opponent we played at home. I don't think they've lost a game in 18 months.

“They've been better than anyone else, they've played here. To play at that level, with that determination and purpose, the fluidity.

'I am very happy because the team played with so much courage. They (Sporting) are so good and when I see them live I realize how good they are!

“With the performance and identity of what I saw against Inter Milan, I knew good things would happen in Europe along that path.”

The Spaniard points out that the return of injured players to training has boosted recent performances and he is hoping for a strong run in the future.

He added: “We trained for a long time with eleven or twelve players. Some of them couldn't train or play. Now almost everyone is fit and available.

'It is true that we still manage certain players. The level will undoubtedly increase: if we have the availability, we will be a very good team.'