Arsenal player ratings vs Sporting: Thomas Partey up a notch but Fabio Vieira pales in Europa League defeat

The two sides couldn’t be separated after 120 minutes of football, with the score being 1-1 and tied 3-3 on aggregate.

Granit Xhaka put Arsenal ahead in the first half but Pedro Goncalves equalized after the break with a goal from just under the halfway line.

Arsenal almost won in extra time when Leandro Trossard hit the post and Gabriel cleared a header off the line.

In the end, Sporting won on penalties. Gabriel Martinelli missed his free-kick and the visitors scored all five goals.

Simon Collings was at the Emirates Stadium to watch Arsenal in action…

Aaron Ramsdale6

Caught by a brilliant long-range shot from Goncalves. Some will question Ramsdale’s positioning, but you also have to applaud the finish. Made a big save to deny Marcus Edwards. Couldn’t save anyone in the shootout.

Takehiro Tomiyasu N/A

Lasted less than 10 minutes as an injury forced him out. Seemed to tweak something stretching for a ball.

Wilhelm Saliba6

Had a good game and looked stable but had to be substituted after just 22 minutes through injury. Arsenal will pray it’s nothing serious.

gabriel 7

The better of Arsenal’s two centre-backs that night, albeit not at their best. Made some big blocks in the first half to stop Sporting on the break. He almost scored a winning goal in extra time.

Oleksandr Zinchenko 7

Enjoyed plenty of possession, as always, but not quite as effective as it can be. Made a decisive attack on Edwards as he broke free in the first half.

Fabio Viera5

He was confident in playing the “Martin Odegaard role” and he looked pretty decent in the first half. However, faded after the break and should have retired earlier.

Jorginho 7

Played an excellent pass for the opening goal as he split Sporting’s defense to find Gabriel Martinelli. Partially to blame for the Sporting equalizer when he put Xhaka in trouble.

Granit Xhaka 7

Ended his long wait to score and found the net for the first time since October. Captained for the night and had a decent game.

Rice Nelson 6

The odd lively moment in the first half, particularly a cross that Jesus almost walked past. Left about 30 minutes before the end.

Gabriel Jesus 6

Had a few bright moments making his first start since November. Substituted at half-time while Arsenal continue to manage their minutes.

Gabriel Martinelli6

Was involved in the first goal when his shot was saved and Xhaka scored the rebound. Worked tirelessly down the left flank and was Arsenal’s liveliest striker. Missed his penalty.

substitutions

Ben White (Tomiyasu 9′) 6

On the right much earlier than expected. Put in a solid display.

Rob Holding (21 Saliba) 6

A rare appearance for the centre-back and he was largely able to hold his own.

Leandro Trossard (Jesus 45′) 7

On the break for Jesus. Close to goal when he hit the post in extra time.

Bukayo Saka (Nelson 66′) 7

Thrown up as Arteta reacted to Sporting’s equaliser. Hit his opponent multiple times.

Thomas Partey (Jorginho 65′) 8 | star player

Brought some calm and control to midfield. So important to the Arsenal game. A class above all others.

Martin Odegaard (Vieira 101′) N/A

Unused Subs: Turner, Hillson, Tierney, Smith Rowe, Kiwior