Danny Welbeck wins it for Arsenal in Europa clash with Sporting CP

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:27 am

Danny Welbeck's goal in the 77th minute was enough for Arsenal to get a 1-0 win over Sporting CP in Europa League action on Thursday.

The victory by the visiting Gunners gives them an 11-match win streak across all competitions. 

Neither side asserted themselves during the first half, with Sporting captain Nani having the best chance to score in the 32nd minute with a strike from 25 yards out that sailed just over  Bernd Leno's crossbar. 

Danny Welbeck fights off a challenge from Sebastian Coates during Arsenal's Europa League match at Sporting.
Danny Welbeck fights off a challenge from Sebastian Coates during Arsenal's Europa League match at Sporting.
Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images

Arsenal had a golden chance to break the stalemate in the 54th minute after Guendouzi shook off his defender to penetrate the box and serve up Welbeck, only for the England international's close-range shot to be blocked by Radosav Petrovic.

A would-be header goal by Welbeck in the 66th minute was negated by the official for pushing off Sporting defender Bruno Gaspar.

About 10 minutes later, Welbeck was finally able to get Arsenal on the scoresheet with a shot past keeper Renan Ribeiro. 

Arsenal lead the Group E standings with nine points from three games, while second-placed Sporting are on six. Vorskla are in third place with three points and FK Qarabag remain last without a point.