Arsenal player ratings vs Sporting CP – Martin Zubimendi impresses, Viktor Gyokeres poor
Arsenal progressed into the Champions League semi-finals with a 1-0 aggregate victory over Sporting CP after a 0-0 draw at the Emirates.
In a game of few chances, the Gunners did the job on Wednesday as they ensured that they kept the Portuguese side from scoring.
There was little action at the Emirates, with Sporting actually going closest to opening the scoring when they slammed a shot off the post just before half-time.
However, despite a nervy atmosphere, Arsenal saw out their advantage to go one step closer to winning the Champions League.
Below, Football Insider has rated each of the players as Arsenal secured a priceless result.
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VISIT THE ARSENAL MATCH HUBMartin Zubimendi controls midfield for Arsenal
One of the most important aspects of the game for the Gunners was controlling their midfield.
Despite the limited chances that they created, this is something the hosts achieved, with Zubimendi being crucial to this.
| Martin Zubimendi’s stats vs Sporting CP | |
| Minutes | 90 |
| Passing accuracy | 89% |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Shots | 1 |
| Tackles | 4 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Recoveries | 6 |
| Ground duels won | 100% |
Throughout, the midfielder made multiple key challenges to keep the visitors at bay.
On top of this, he also helped out up top and created a chance for Arsenal as well as fired a shot on goal.
After a poor showing against AFC Bournemouth on the weekend, Zubimendi truly bounced back in style, and was the key player to ensuring the Gunners’ progression into the semi-finals.
Viktor Gyokeres awful again
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider Arsenal must spend big on another striker, and based on Viktor Gyokeres’ recent performance, it is no wonder.
The striker’s form has been questioned for some time since his big-money move to Arsenal in the summer.
However, against Sporting CP, his display was perhaps the most concerning yet.
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— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 15, 2026
The striker did little to nothing throughout in arguably Arsenal’s biggest game of the season.
By the time he was taken off the field just before the hour mark, he had only managed 14 touches and had just a singular shot on goal, which flew off target.
Given the size of the game and the money the Gunners spent on him, when the game was lacking the quality it did, Gyokeres should have been one of the first to step up.
Instead, it was hard to notice that the Sweden international was even on the pitch.
Arsenal player ratings vs Sporting CP
- David Raya – 6/10
- Piero Hincapie – 7/10
- Gabriel – 7/10
- William Saliba – 6/10
- Cristhian Mosquera – 6/10
- Declan Rice – 7/10
- Martin Zubimendi – 8/10
- Gabriel Martinelli – 5/10
- Eberechi Eze – 6/10
- Noni Madueke – 7/10
- Viktor Gyokeres – 3/10
Substitutes
- Kai Havertz (on for Gyokeres, 56’) – 7/10
- Max Dowman (on for Madueke, 63’) – 7/10
- Leandro Trossard (on for Martinelli, 79’) – n/a
- Gabriel Jesus (on for Eze, 79’) – n/a
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