‘We wanted to make a statement’ – Arteta revels in thumping win over Sporting

Mikel Arteta enjoyed a statement victory in the Champions League after Arsenal's 5-1 defeat to Sporting CP.

Sporting, who are under new leadership following the departure of Ruben Amorim to Manchester United, were second in the standings heading into matchday five following their 4-1 defeat to Manchester City earlier in November.

Yet the Portuguese team were no match for City's Premier League rivals Arsenal on Tuesday as the Gunners blew away Sporting in Lisbon.

Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes put Arsenal 3-0 ahead at half-time, and although Goncalo Inacio pulled one back for the hosts, Bukayo Saka's penalty and a late finish from Leandro Trossard completed the rout for Arteta's side.

“I'm very happy, it's a big result against a big opponent,” said Arteta, after seeing Arsenal collect 3.89 expected goals, the highest ever in a league match (since 2013-14).

“We wanted to make a statement. I felt a very good energy before the match, but you have to put it into practice.

“The first half was exceptional and gave us the platform to win the game. We were very smart and efficient in the way we attacked them. It's an important win for us.”

'The atmosphere changed [when Sporting scored]“They were confident, but then we showed our personality to get back on the ball, defend deeper when necessary and the fourth goal changed that again.

Safe journey home, Gooners

Let's bring the noise to West Ham again on Saturday pic.twitter.com/jeEx6uCeSW

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 26, 2024

“We have to enjoy playing against these types of teams in this competition. I was pleased with how the performance went.”

Arsenal were in a mini-slump of three games without a win before recording a 3-0 victory over high-flying Nottingham Forest in the Premier League last weekend.

Backing up that win with another dominant performance is something they will have to do all season if they want to be successful, Arteta said.

“We need consistency. If you want to go for championships you have to win and win again. Today was a different kind of game but we handled it well and now let's move on,” he said.

Arsenal are next in action on Saturday when they travel to West Ham in the Premier League.