Mikel Arteta’s full-strength side produce statement Champions League win

Arsenal recorded an eye-catching victory as Mikel Arteta's strong side defeated Sporting 5-1 in Lisbon to boost their chances of automatic qualification for the Champions League.

Sporting again got off to a slow start against Premier League opposition in Europe, just as they did against Manchester City in Ruben Amorim's final home game, but Arsenal did not let them be fazed as their rivals had done a few weeks earlier .

Arsenal scored three first-half goals through Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel to give the Gunners an unassailable lead at the break, largely thanks to an inspired Bukayo Saka wreaking havoc on the right flank.

Sporting pulled a goal back less than three minutes after the restart, with centre-back Goncalo Inacio turning in a corner at the front post, raising the possibility of an unlikely comeback, although that hope lasted less than 20 minutes before Saka's penalty iced the match.

Substitute Leandro Trossard tapped home another goal on the 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 their hosts goal difference.

Sporting were torn in the first half, especially on the left, with Jurrien Timber coming in for Martinelli's opener inside 10 minutes before Saka set up Havertz for the second shortly afterwards, while Gabriel headed in a Declan Rice bend for the third.

The home side's revival fell flat after Saka restored their three-goal lead from the spot after seeing his captain Martin Odegaard cut down from behind by Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande, who was fortunate not to receive a second yellow card.

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

Arteta: We were exceptional

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

“Certainly, especially against the opponents we played at home, who haven't lost a game in 18 months – they are in top form here – so to play with the level, determination, purpose and flexibility that we showed today , I am very satisfied,” 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 big performance, a big win and we are very happy.”

“The performance was there a few times when we played against big teams. That is the level we have to be able to handle and you have to live up to that, and that creates belief.”

Saka: This is where Arsenal belong

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

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

“We played with confidence. Everyone was top and anyone could have gotten this [the player of the match award].

“I'm very 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.

“There's a chemistry we have, I enjoy playing with him. I'm happy he's back and I hope he stays fit for the rest of the season.”

Analysis: Arsenal are hitting form at the right time

Just as Manchester City's season enters crisis, Arsenal is quietly rediscovering their best form. This victory at Sporting, the first for a visiting team in more than a year, reminded us how ruthless Mikel Arteta's side can be.

Arsenal's patchy form over the past month suggested there could be signs of mental fatigue in a side that has finished second to Pep Guardiola's winning machine in the Premier League two years in a row. This performance has allayed these concerns.

Sporting were there for the taking, but Arsenal put them away with relative ease to claim back-to-back wins for the first time since the first week of October. The Portuguese champion never came into the match.

Arsenal were dominant from start to finish, no doubt boosted by the return of their star trio, who have restored balance to a side that has looked disjointed so often in the past month. They should be considered contenders for all the top prizes – if they can stay fit.

City are on the line 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 right in the mix.