Kai Havertz scored a dramatic injury-time winner as Arsenal snatched a crucial 1-0 victory over Sporting in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. The substitute calmly slotted home from Gabriel Martinelli’s cross in the first minute of added time, sparking wild celebrations from manager Mikel Arteta, who had endured a tense evening on the touchline.
Arteta’s relief was palpable after a week of disappointment, following defeats to Manchester City and Southampton in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. Arsenal produced another anxious performance against a spirited Sporting side, who missed several chances to take a lead to north London for the second leg. Goalkeeper David Raya, restored to the starting line-up after being rested for the cup losses, made a string of fine saves to keep Arsenal in the game.
The visitors dominated the early stages, with Ousmane Diomande splitting Arsenal’s defence after just six minutes, forcing a brilliant fingertip save from Raya to divert Maxi Araújo’s piledriver onto the crossbar. Viktor Gyökeres, facing his former club, received a warm reception but struggled to make an impact as Arsenal found their rhythm. Martin Ødegaard registered Arsenal’s first shot on target in the 43rd minute, but Rui Silva easily gathered his weak effort.
The second half saw Arsenal improve, with Ødegaard’s free-kick tipped over the bar and Gabriel Magalhães inches away from a corner. Martín Zubimendi thought he had given Arsenal the lead with a first-time finish, only for VAR to rule Gyökeres offside in the buildup. Arteta introduced Havertz and teenager Max Dowman as Arsenal pushed for a winner, and Havertz eventually delivered, slotting home from Martinelli’s cross to secure a vital victory.
