Late winner gives Arsenal first-leg lead

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Sporting 0 - 1 Arsenal 

Kai Havertz struck in stoppage time to give Arsenal a slender advantage over Sporting in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final

Author | DJ

Stadium | Estádio José Alvalade

Introduced after the interval, Havertz reacted quickest late on to guide the ball beyond Rui Silva and hand the Premier League leaders a narrow lead ahead of the return at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal arrived under scrutiny following successive defeats, their first such run of the season, and there were early signs of unease when Maxi Araújo rattled the crossbar after being released by an incisive pass from Ousmane Diomande.

Watch | Highlights from Arsenal’s official YouTube account

Despite controlling possession for long spells in the opening half, Arsenal struggled to fashion clear openings. Their best chance came in unusual fashion as Noni Madueke struck the bar directly from a corner.

Sporting remained dangerous on the break

They went close again when Araújo surged forward before pulling the ball back for Francisco Trincão, who dragged his effort wide.

Arsenal believed they had taken the lead after the break when Martin Zubimendi curled home from the edge of the area, only for the goal to be disallowed with Viktor Gyökeres adjudged offside in the build-up.

The hosts applied sustained pressure late on, forcing David Raya into a series of fine saves, but it was Arsenal who found the decisive moment as Havertz capitalised to secure a hard-fought victory.

Watch | One former Sporting player gets a reception. Footage from AFTV. 

The result ends a brief dip in form for Mikel Arteta’s side and offers encouragement before their return to Premier League action against Bournemouth this weekend.

Location: Rua Professor Fernando da Fonseca, 1501-806 Lisboa, Portugal

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