Gyökeres is not as good as he seems, what Arsenal did with Sporting Lisbon

Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Sporting CP in the Champions League highlighted the Portuguese club’s vulnerabilities, particularly in defense. The match served as a stark reminder of the impact that former manager Rubén Amorim had on the team and the challenges faced by his successor, João Pereira.

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Viktor Gyökeres, in particular, was singled out for criticism after being completely outplayed by Arsenal’s defense. The Swedish striker, who had been one of the most in-form forwards in Europe, was unable to make any significant impact on the game. His inability to mark effectively allowed Arsenal’s attackers ample space to operate, leading to multiple goals. Gabriel Magalhães’ mocking celebration after scoring Arsenal’s third goal, which seemed to mimic Gyökeres’ style of play, further emphasized the Swedish striker’s struggles.

The absence of Rubén Amorim was palpable throughout the match. The Portuguese manager, who had instilled a winning mentality and a distinct style of play at Sporting, had left a significant void. João Pereira, while promising, has yet to replicate the success of his predecessor. The lack of creativity in the attack and the defensive frailties exposed in this match suggest that Sporting still has a long way to go to reach the heights they achieved under Amorim.

Arsenal, on the other hand, looked imperious throughout the match. Martin Ødegaard was once again the star of the show, dictating the play from midfield and creating numerous chances for his teammates. Bukayo Saka also impressed with a goal and an assist, showcasing his growing maturity as a player.

The result leaves both teams level on points in the Champions League, but Arsenal’s superior goal difference gives them a slight advantage. Sporting CP will need to improve significantly if they are to qualify for the knockout stages.

Analysis

The match between Arsenal and Sporting CP highlighted the significant gap in quality between the two teams. Arsenal's victory was a comprehensive one, with the English side dominating possession and creating numerous chances. Sporting, on the other hand, struggled to cope with Arsenal's intensity and organization.

Gyökeres' disappointing performance was a major talking point after the match. The Swedish striker, who had been linked with a move to several top European clubs, failed to live up to expectations. His inability to hold up the ball and bring his teammates into play was a major concern for Sporting fans.

The departure of Rubén Amorim has had a significant impact on Sporting. The Portuguese manager had transformed the club into a force to be reckoned with in European football. His successor, João Pereira, has a big task on his hands to restore the club to its former glory.

Conclusion

Arsenal’s victory over Sporting CP was a clear statement of intent. The English club are looking strong this season and are a serious contender for the Champions League title. Sporting, on the other hand, face a challenging task to recover from this defeat and qualify for the knockout stages. The future of the club will depend on whether they can find a suitable replacement for Rubén Amorim and address the defensive issues that were exposed in this match.