Arsenal’s Europa League goals are alive after a 2-2 draw against Sporting Lisbon in Thursday’s round of 16 first leg in Portugal.
William Saliba gave the Gunners an early lead but the hosts scored twice before Arsenal equalized through a Sporting own goal.
The game amassed more than 4 expected goals, split fairly evenly between the two teams as Arsenal managed 14 of the game’s 24 shots but needed USMNT goaltender Matt Turner for four big saves in the draw.
[ MORE: Europa League scores, stats, more ]
The second leg will be played at Emirates Stadium on Thursday, March 16 at 4pm ET.
The Gunners are five points clear of two-time holders Manchester City as they chase their first PL title since 2004, while also chasing their first European title since winning the 1993/94 Cup Winners’ Cup.
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Ahead of the round of 16 first leg on Thursday, Arsenal are the joint betting favorites to win the Europa League and check in alongside their PL colleague Manchester United at +250.
(Betting odds from our partner BetMGM) BetMGM is our official sports betting partner and we may receive compensation the first time you place a bet with BetMGM after clicking on our links.
Sporting vs Arsenal player ratings: Stars of the show
Goncalo Inácio: The 21-year-old goalscorer appears to be the youngest in a long line of CB stars from Portugal.
Bukayo Saka: Buzzed up and down right but wasn’t quite in his finishing boots yet. Another day…
William Saliba: A very decent goal and no particular fault on any of Sporting’s records.
Marcus Edwards: Ex-Tottenham winger will relish the frustrations he’s heaped on Arsenal’s left flank.
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What’s next?
Arsenal travel to Fulham for a 10am ET Sunday Premier League meeting before Thursday’s second leg arrives in north London.
William Saliba goal video: Gunners take the lead in 22′
Goal video by Goncalo Inacio: Lisbon equalizes
Paulinho goal video: Portuguese hosts go in front
Own goal video from Sporting Lisbon: 2:2!
How to watch Sporting vs Arsenal live, stream link and start time
Kickoff: Thursday 12:45 p.m. ET TV Channel/Stream: Paramount Plus Update:Via NBCSports.com
Key storylines and star players
Star striker Gabriel Jesus has been absent since the World Cup following knee surgery, but the Brazilian is close to returning to action – so much so that coach Mikel Arteta wouldn’t go so far as to rule him out during his Wednesday pre-match press conference.
“There will be news about the squad tomorrow. We’ve brought a few players and you’ll see who’s available tomorrow.
“We will try not to push him back, we will try to make a fair assessment between what he needs and when he is comfortable and also give the team a boost which they will certainly need in the coming weeks .
“Everything is going well, he also needs time to give himself the confidence and physical condition necessary to compete with a free spirit and once he’s free we’ll throw him in.”
Arsenal team news, injuries, line-up options
OUT: Mohamed Elneny (knock) | DOUBT: Gabriel Jesus (knee), Leandro Trossard (groin), Eddie Nketiah (unknown)
