Three Things We Learned after Arsenal thrashed Sporting Lisbon 5-1 

Having failed to score in each of our last four Champions League away games, we managed a glut of goals in Portugal.

Here are three things that stood out for me, writes Ian Mills for the Gooner Fanzine.

 1 - A statement win

That was how Mikel Arteta referred to this crushing victory and the facts back that up.

This was Sporting’s first home defeat for almost 18 months ending a 30 match unbeaten run. This was the same Sporting side that had thrashed Manchester City 4-1 in their previous Champions League tie.

It was only the third time Arsenal had scored five away goals in a Champions League/European Cup match and it matched our biggest ever away win in the competition (5-1 versus Inter Milan in 2003).  

2 - Competition for places

Having all but two of our squad fit has made a huge difference.

Ordinarily the thought of Ben White being absent for ‘several months’ would be alarming to say the least however Jurrien Timber has fitted seamlessly into the back four and continues to impress.

His run and cross to set up Gabriel Martinelli for the first goal is symptomatic of his current form. There was a goalscoring return to the starting line up for Kai Havertz too whilst Leandro Trossard got his trademark goal coming off the bench.

The form and confidence has returned to the side and to see them dominate such a good team was extremely encouraging for the rest of this campaign.

There were once again standout displays from the mercurial Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka to boot.

3 - Thomas Partey is thriving

Despite being into the last year of his contract, Partey is in the best form of his Arsenal career having benefitted from a clean bill of health which has allowed him to play regular games.

His performance at the Estadio Jose Alvalade was tremendous and whilst Arteta has plenty of midfield options to consider, the Ghanian international is currently playing too well to consider being left out.