Jakub Kiwior Arsenal Sporting CPGetty Images

Arsenal player ratings: Jakub Kiwior struggles but Fabio Vieira shines in Sporting CP draw

A freak own goal ensured an under par Arsenal escaped Portugal with a 2-2 draw following the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash at Sporting Lisbon.

Mikel Arteta's side got off to a fine start and got in front thanks to a William Saliba header, but goals either side of half-time from Goncalo Inacio and Paulinho gave Sporting a deserved lead.

Arsenal responded well, however, and got a crucial equaliser ahead of next week's second leg when Granit Xhaka's pass deflected off Hidemasa Morita and snuck into the corner.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Jose Alvalade Stadium.

  • William Saliba celebrate Arsenal Sporting CP 2022-23Getty Images

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Matt Turner (5/10):

    Looked a bag of nerves all night. Made a couple of good saves, but was clearly very rusty.

    Ben White (6/10):

    Got caught out position a few times as Sporting looked to get in down their left side.

    William Saliba (8/10):

    Rose well to open the scoring. Arsenal's best defender on the night.

    Jakub Kiwior (5/10):

    Really poor for the first goal. Should have gone for the ball, even if Turner did give a call.

    Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10):

    His movement caused Sporting problems and he made some nice passes. Slack in possession at times.

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  • Jorginho Arsenal Sporting CP 2022-23Getty Images

    Midfield

    Jorginho (6/10):

    His lack of pace was exposed at times, but he moved the ball well when in possession.

    Granit Xhaka (6/10):

    Close to scoring when his header was stopped on the line. His pass lead to the own goal.

    Fabio Vieira (8/10):

    Always lively. Good delivery for the first goal. Always a threat.

  • Bukayo Saka Arsenal 2022-23

    Attack

    Bukayo Saka (5/10):

    Couldn't really get into the game, although played a role in the second goal.

    Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):

    Never stopped working. So close to a stunning individual goal.

    Reiss Nelson (5/10):

    Never really in the game. No repeat of his heroics from Saturday.

  • Mikel Arteta Arsenal Sporting CP 2022-23Getty Images

    Subs & Manager

    Takehiro Tomiyasu (7/10):

    One lovely nutmeg was his highlight. Good cameo.

    Emile Smith Rowe (5/10):

    Never really involved.

    Thomas Partey (5/10):

    Couldn't make the difference.

    Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):

    Immediately made the defence more solid.

    Mikel Arteta (6/10):

    Made six changes, but will still be disappointed with the performance.