Arsenal player ratings vs Sporting CP: Martin Odegaard majestic as Jurrien Timber enjoys best game | OneFootball

Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey also star in the Champions League, while Gabriel and William Saliba keep Viktor Gyokeres quiet

Arsenal scored five goals away from home in the Champions League for the first time since 2008 as they thumped Sporting CP.

The Gunners ran out 5-1 winners in Portugal after being three goals to the good by half-time thanks to Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel.

Goncalo Inacio pulled one back for Sporting shortly after the break, but a penalty from Bukayo Saka and a late goal from Leandro Trossard secured a comfortable win.

The victory puts Arsenal up to seventh in the Champions League standings and this was also their first away win in the competition since October last year.

Here is how Simon Collings rated the Arsenal players...

David Raya 7

Had a quiet first half before making a good save to deny Geovany Quenda. Made another smart stop after the break to keep out Morten Hjulmand’s effort.

Jurrien Timber 9

Found Martinelli for the opening goal with a brilliant ball into the box. Got forward whenever he could and combined well with Saka. One of his best games for Arsenal.

William Saliba 8

Typically dominant and only once did Viktor Gyokeres get the better of him. The striker spun him in the 87th minute and struck the post.

Gabriel 8

Powered home a header from a corner to score Arsenal’s third, before mimicking Gyokeres’ celebration. Like Saliba, did well at keeping the Swede quiet.

Riccardo Calafiori 6

Perhaps the only player to have a tricky night. Booked in the first half and also fell when trying to stop Inacio scoring from a corner.

Martin Odegaard 9 | Star player

Yet another majestic performance from the Norwegian, who has transformed Arsenal’s attack since returning from injury. Won the penalty for Arsenal’s fourth goal.

Thomas Partey 8

Played a delightful pass for Arsenal’s second goal, which allowed Saka to pick out Havertz. In the best form of his Arsenal career.

Declan Rice 7

Back in the team after being an unused substitute against Nottingham Forest. It was his corner that Gabriel headed home for Arsenal’s third goal of the night.

Bukayo Saka 9

Made a great run and then slid the ball across to Havertz for Arsenal’s second goal. So dangerous all night and ruthlessly slotted his penalty.

Kai Havertz 7

Restored to the team after being rested against Forest. Scored the 100th goal of his club career - and he won’t have had an easier one.

Gabriel Martinelli 7

Back in the team and back among the goals. Opened the scoring with a poacher’s finish from Timber’s ball into the box.

Subs

Mikel Merino (Rice 70’) 7

A good cameo. Struck a strong shot that was saved, with Trossard scoring the rebound.

Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 70’) 7

Off the bench and on the scoresheet as he headed home Merino’s saved shot from close range.

Ethan Nwaneri (Odegaard 78’) N/A

Oleksandr Zinchenko (Calafiori 78’) N/A

Jakub Kiwior (Gabriel 84’) N/A

Subs not used: Neto, Setford, Tierney, Lewis-Skelly, Jorginho, Sterling, Jesus.