SPORTS

Arsenal knocked OUT of the Europa League

Arsenal was knocked out of the Europa League at the last-16 stage in a penalty (Agg 3-3; 3-5) on pens shootout defeat by Sporting Lisbon at Emirates Stadium.

The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka scoring the opener and Pedro Goncalves equalizing with a sensational long-range chip from 46 yards.

Arsenal defender Gabriel came close twice in the final minutes of extra time, but his header was tipped over the bar and then he had an effort cleared off the goalline.

In the penalty shootout, Gabriel Martinelli’s spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper Adan before Nuno Santos netted the winner to spark celebrations among Sporting’s players at full-time.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made five changes to the starting lineup for the match against Sporting despite the score being 2-2 on aggregate, as he sought to use his squad to the fullest during a Premier League title race.

The match saw the return of Gabriel Jesus, who had been out injured since December. However, the team suffered early injuries to defenders William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Sporting controlled possession and created numerous chances throughout the match.

Read Also: FIFA President Unveils First ‘Pele’ Stadium in Rwanda

Although Granit Xhaka gave Arsenal a narrow lead, Sporting equalized with a stunning goal from Pedro Goncalves and had chances to win the game. Despite Arsenal’s European journey coming to an end, Arteta will be concerned about the impact of injuries and 120 minutes of gruelling action on their Premier League campaign.

Magembe Solomon

Recent Posts

Makerere University Call for Applications to Postgraduate Courses for Academic Year 2024/2025

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas,  Masters and Doctoral…

4 days ago

Make Learning Fun by Merging Education with These Entertainment Ideas

Make Learning Fun by Merging Education with These Entertainment Ideas

4 days ago

Vincent Lubega Nsamba Announced 90th Guild President of Makerere University

Vincent Lubega Nsamba has been declared the 90th Guild President of Makerere University. He won…

1 month ago

How to Apply for Students’ Loan Scheme for the Academic Year 2023/2024

The Higher Education Students Financing Board (HESFB) is inviting applications for study loans under the…

2 months ago

YMCA Comprehensive Institute Granted Charter

YMCA Comprehensive Institute (YCI), a leading Private Other Degree Awarding Institution (ODAI), vocational and technical…

2 months ago

Handover Speech by J.M. Okoth-Ochola as the Outgoing Inspector General of Police NG IGP

On 2nd January 2024, I made a service record of thirty-six years in the Uganda…

2 months ago

This website uses cookies.