‘Arguably the finest, outstanding’ – National press praise Arsenal player after win at Sporting | OneFootball

Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Champions League as they stunned Sporting CP 5-1 at Estadio Jose Alvalade last night.

The Gunners dominated proceedings from the start and went ahead in the seventh minute.

Gabriel Martinelli tapped home the opener before Kai Havertz extended Arsenal’s advantage with a close-range finish after 22 minutes.

The Premier League giants were 3-0 ahead by the break, with Gabriel Magalhaes heading home another on the stroke of half-time.

Sporting pulled one back early in the second half, but Bukayo Saka restored the visitors’ big lead by converting his spot-kick.

Leandro Trossard added a late fifth, wrapping up an excellent win for the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta’s side were at their destructive best on Tuesday night, but Martin Odegaard was the most impressive of all.

The Norwegian deservedly received plenty of praise from the national press. The Daily Mail called him ‘outstanding’, saying he is arguably ‘the finest midfielder’ in Europe.

The English newspaper gave him an 8/10 rating for producing a ‘top display’.

Odegaard had 82 touches in the match, and he completed 56 of his 65 passes.

He won four of his eight ground duels and registered two key passes, two tackles and an interception.

The Norway international has been an important player for Arsenal this season. The team struggled when he was sidelined through injury for the last two months.

Stats from Sofascore.