Arsenal have finally learned their fate for the round of 16 in the Europa League, having been drawn against Portuguese side Sporting CP on Friday. It comes months after the Gunners managed to win their group, making sure they avoided playing an extra game in a playoff round.
That gave the Gunners some much-needed respite, making sure they didn't add to an already busy schedule by fielding strong lineups in the group. There will also be hope that now they've made it this far, they can go all the way in the competition and finally bring home a European trophy.
"This competition is getting harder and harder and I think how it looks today and what the possibilities are it looks like the next round is going to be extremely competitive," Mikel Arteta said last year on his side's progression. "That’s why finishing first in the group and avoiding another two games is such an important thing for us.”
