Arsenal Knocked Out Of UEFA Europa League

Arsenal Knocked Out Of UEFA Europa League

Sporting Lisbon knocked Arsenal out of the Europa League with a 5-3 victory on penalties after Pedro Goncalves scored an incredible equaliser for the Portuguese side in Thursday’s last 16 second leg.

Sporting trailed when Granit Xhaka put Premier League leaders Arsenal ahead in the first half at the Emirates Stadium.

But Portugal midfielder Goncalves forced extra-time when he beat Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale with a breath-taking strike from 46 yards out.

Goncalves’s bolt from the blue was reminiscent of David Beckham’s astonishing long-range chip for Manchester United against Wimbledon that launched him to superstardom in 1996.

With a pulsating encounter level at 1-1 on the night and 3-3 on aggregate it needed penalties to settle the tie.

It was Sporting who emerged with a shock victory as Gabriel Martinelli’s effort was saved by Antonio Adan and Nuno Santos dispatched the winning kick.

Adding to Arsenal’s woes, defenders William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu had limped off injured in the first half after Gunners boss Mikel Arteta tried to protect his key players by making five changes.

Arsenal haven’t won a European trophy since lifting the Cup-Winners’ Cup in 1994 and their wait will go on for another year.

But the Gunners would gladly swap Europa League success for a long-awaited Premier League title.

Idowu Babalola Photo
Idowu Babalola

Socially Not Social. IG & Twitter - @Idbragga

All author posts
Related Posts
Maleek Berry Performs At The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Maleek Berry Performs At The Tonight Show Sta...

Last night, 11th of June 2019 was huge for British-Nigerian record producer and singer, Maleek Berry who performed for...

Why I can’t serve Abia state for free – Ngozi Nwosu
Why I can’t serve Abia state for free – N...

Nollywood actress, Ngozi Nwosu has disclosed why she can’t serve her own home state for free She described their...

I would lock myself away and drink for two days’ – Wayne Rooney reveals how he ‘battled his demons’ as a footballer
I would lock myself away and drink for two da...

England and Manchester United’s goalscorer of all time, Wayne Rooney has opened up on his battle with ‘inner demons’...

Write A Comments