Mikel Arteta
April 2026
Mikel Arteta praised Arsenal’s 1-0 first-leg win at Sporting as a difficult and valuable result, highlighting the challenge of beating a team with such a strong home record. He also singled out David Raya after the goalkeeper’s crucial saves helped preserve the advantage. Kai Havertz scored the late winner after coming off the bench, while Raya produced key saves and earned Player of the Match. Arsenal also had a goal ruled out and needed patience before finding the breakthrough, which matched Arteta’s post-match focus on fine margins in the penalty areas.