Gabriel Martinelli react Arsenal Sporting 2022-23Getty Images

Arsenal player ratings vs Sporting CP: Gabriel Martinelli misses key penalty in shootout as Gunners crash out of Europa League

Arsenal crashed out of the Europa League after a painful penalty shootout defeat to Sporting CP at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta’s side looked to be on their way to a comfortable victory when Granit Xhaka gave them a first half-lead, putting them 3-2 ahead of aggregate after the 2-2 first leg draw in Lisbon last week.

But the visitors produced a superb second-half display and deservedly drew level thanks to a stunning equaliser from Pedro Goncalves, who lobbed Aaron Ramsdale from just inside the Arsenal half to take the game to extra-time.

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The hosts dominated the extra 30 minutes, but couldn’t find a way past the exceptional Antonio Adan, who pushed a Leandro Trossard shot onto the post before making two excellent stops to deny Gabriel Magalhaes.

The Sporting keeper was then the hero in the shootout, saving Gabriel Martinelli’s penalty as the visitors won 5-3 on spot kicks to reach the quarter-finals.

The defeat will sting even more than it otherwise would have because of the injuries sustained in the first half.

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