How Mikel Arteta treasured this win. All the tension that had built up in the Arsenal manager after devastating defeats in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup was suddenly released in the moment that Kai Havertz calmly slotted home from fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli’s cross in the first minute of injury time and Arteta set off on a celebration charge down the touchline, fists pumping.
He had been a frustrated presence until then as Arsenal put in another anxious performance against a spirited Sporting side who could have established a precious lead ahead of next week’s second leg in north London if they had taken their chances. But having scored in the last round against his former club Bayer Leverkusen, once again it was Havertz who edged Arsenal closer to the last four for only the fourth time in their history.
