UEFA Europa League
Result: Sporting Lisbon 0-1 Arsenal
Date: 25 October 2018
Venue: Estádio José Alvalade
Danny Welbeck's second-half strike was enough to hand Arsenal a 1-0 win over Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday evening.
Unai Emery made a few changes from Monday's win over Leicester City as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Aaron Ramsey, Mohamed Elneny and Danny Welbeck were drafted into the line up.
The opening exchanges proved to be a lively affair, with both sides looking to get on the front foot early on, although clear cut chances were hard to come by.
Nani went close to putting Sporting ahead after 32 minutes as the former Manchester United winger unleashed a long-range effort that sailed inches wide of the upright.
However, that proved to be the final chance of the half as the sides went into the halftime break level pegging.
The Gunners came out firing in the second half, but they were let down by their finishing, with Aubameyang and Welbeck squandering big chances in the opening ten minutes.
Emery opted for his first change on the hour mark, as Elneny made way for Lucas Torreira, who has impressed for the Gunners in recent matches.
The Gunners had the ball in the back of the net after 68 minutes through Welbeck's close range finish, but the striker's goal was flagged for a foul leading up to the goal.
Welbeck was not to be denied with 13 minutes remaining in the half as an error from Sebastian Coates allowed the striker to smash home from close range.
Emery's charges pushed for more goals in the closing stages, but they were unable to carve out another opening as the Gunners claim a third straight win in Group E.
