Saka Declares “This is Where We Belong” After Arsenal’s Resounding Champions League Win at Sporting

Bukayo Saka proudly declared, “This is where we belong,” after Arsenal secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Sporting at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, marking their return to winning ways in the Champions League.

Mikel Arteta’s side were in control throughout the match, easing past Sporting in what could have been a tricky away fixture.

Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel, Saka, and Leandro Trossard all found the net, giving the Gunners their highest away score in the competition since their last eight Champions League away matches combined.

This commanding performance moved Arsenal up to seventh in the group standings.

“We’ve shown the level we can play at,” said Saka. “We knew they hadn’t lost here this season, but we believed in ourselves. Everyone was top, and I’m really proud of all the boys today.”

Arsenal opened the scoring early when Martinelli tapped home from Jurrien Timber’s low cross.

They doubled their advantage shortly after with a well-worked move that saw Saka get in behind the Sporting defense and square the ball for Havertz to score from close range.

Gabriel added a third on the stroke of half-time, powering in a header from a Declan Rice corner for his first Champions League goal.

Sporting pulled one back through Goncalo Inacio’s smart strike shortly after the break, but it was a mere consolation for the hosts. Arsenal’s control continued as Ousmane Diomande was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card after a foul on Martin Ødegaard that led to a penalty.

Saka stepped up to take the spot-kick, coolly converting into the bottom corner.

The scoring was rounded off by Trossard, who headed into an empty net after a fierce shot from Mikel Merino was parried into his path.

Arsenal’s clinical performance demonstrated their strength and confidence in the competition, as they look to continue building momentum in the Champions League.