Sporting’s last home match in the Champions League was a superb 4-1 win over Manchester City under former boss Ruben Amorim but there was no repeat of that performance against Arsenal.
The home side’s incredible unbeaten run of 17 wins and one draw in all competitions since the start of the season was ended in emphatic fashion by the north London side.
Viktor Gyokeres, who scored a hat-trick against City, was left frustrated as he failed to find a way past the Arsenal defence.
The Swedish striker fired a free-kick over the bar and had a strike from the edge of the area well saved by David Raya when he went through on goal.
Raya made several fine saves, tipping over teenager Geovany Quenda’s shot and getting down low to his left to push Morten Hjulmand’s strike past tArteta spoke ahead of the match about wanting his players to make a Champions League statement by recording a big win against Sporting, and they duly obliged.
After the win, he said: “I’m very happy. It’s a big result against a big opponent. We wanted to make that statement.
“When you play in this competition against these teams you have to enjoy it. What I loved about this team is the way that they flowed. They played with purpose.
“If you want to be challenging for big trophies you have to be consistent.”
Martinelli’s goal, recorded at six minutes 43 seconds, was Arsenal’s fastest in the competition since Theo Walcott netted against Basel in September 2016 (06:42).
Saka was in fine form on the right wing, providing the assist for Arsenal’s second goal before converting from the spot as he registered his 11th goal involvement in the Champions League (six goals, five assists).
It is the second time that Arsenal have scored three goals in the first half of a Champions League away game, previously beating Galatasaray 4-1 in December 2014.
Arteta was able to withdraw key players Rice, Martinelli and Odegaard as his side cruised to a brilliant victoryhe post.
