Arsenal head back to the Emirates Stadium with plenty of positives following their 2-2 draw in the Europa League last-16 first-leg clash against Sporting CP. The Gunners took the lead through William Saliba before Granit Xhaka's deflected cross was turned into the back of the net to equalise in the second half after Sporting took a 2-1 lead.
Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka both started in attack alongside Reiss Nelson, who was the hero in the comeback win against Bournemouth at the weekend, after Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah and Martin Odeegard were all ruled out of the clash in Portugal. Martinelli and Saka have proven to be crucial players for Mikel Arteta this season, each scoring 11 times to sit joint top of the club's scoring charts.
The Brazilian winger has enjoyed a return to form in recent weeks and was unlucky not to score against Sporting, whilst Saka has shown he is Arsenal's main man for the past few seasons despite still only being 21 years old. Sporting defender Jeremiah St. Juste labelled the attacking duo as "the two best wingers in Europe" ahead of the 2-2 draw on Thursday night.
