Arsenal 1-1 Sporting Lisbon: Arsenal knocked out of Europa League in penalty shootout defeat

Arsenal were eliminated on penalties by Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates Stadium in the Europa League round of 16.

A sensational long-range chip from Pedro Goncalves from 46 yards out forced extra time after Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka had earlier landed a rebound in the opener.

Arsenal defender Gabriel came agonizingly close twice in the final minutes of extra time when his header tipped over the bar and then he was able to clear a shot from the goal line.

Sporting’s Manuel Ugarte was also sent off after a dangerous slip against Bukayo Saka minutes from the penalty shoot-out win.

There were constant chances in that frenetic second leg as Arsenal substitute Leandro Trossard hit the post in extra time gifting the ball and went through a one-on-one with the keeper only for Adan to touch him on the woodwork.

Sporting forward Marcus Edwards, previously at Tottenham, was also thwarted by goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale minutes after Goncalves made it 1-1 in regular time.

Visitors will find out their quarter-final opponents in Friday’s draw (11:00 GMT).

The rotation isn’t paying off for Arsenal

Despite the score being 2-2 on aggregate before the game, Mikel Arteta made five changes to Arsenal’s starting XI as he attempted to take full advantage of his squad amid a Premier League title race.

There was a welcome return for striker Gabriel Jesus, who had started for the first time since December after recovering from a knee injury but failed to convert before the break.

And Arteta was dealt an early blow when injuries to defenders William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu forced him to make first-half substitutions.

Sporting started well, controlling possession and creating numerous chances, although Xhaka’s powerful goal gave Arsenal a narrow lead.

They also had a number of chances immediately after Goncalves’ impressive equalizer – Paulinho headed over the bar and Edwards was thwarted by Ramsdale.

England goalkeeper Ramsdale had a busy evening while Trossard, Martinelli and Gabriel Adan tested at the other end.

Arsenal’s European trip is coming to an end but Arteta’s concern will be the impact it could have on their Premier League campaign.

Injuries to key defenders and 120 minutes of grueling action are not ideal preparation for the next league game against Crystal Palace in three days.

Freak Goal catches the busy Ramsdale

Arsenal goalkeeper Ramsdale was in the middle of the action but ultimately had no say in the penalty shoot-out.

Goncalves’ bold chip from just over the halfway line in regulation time had Ramsdale crawling back to his goal in a helpless attempt to stop it.

The equalizer stunned Arsenal and they were then pushed back for minutes before Ramsdale responded with an excellent save to deny Edwards as he rushed on target.

When extra time began it seemed inevitable that Ramsdale would come up again in a penalty shootout and he nearly made his mark, touching his fingertips to Gonçalo Inacio’s penalty only to see it nestle into the post , as Ramsdale’s lopsided smile crossed his face.

The defeat ended a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions for Arsenal.