Arsenal scored a late equalizer to escape being beaten by Portuguese side Sporting CP in Lisbon on Thursday evening in a Europa league round of 16 encounter.
Mikel Arteta made six changes to his starting lineup, that faced Sporting CP in Lisbon owing to the fact that there are many upcoming fixtures in the coming weeks including a fierce Premier League title chase.
William Saliba opened the scoring midway through the first half as he deposited a towering header into the back of the net on a corner, but Sporting equalised 12 minutes later in nearly identical fashion through Goncalo Inacio.
The start of the second half was utterly insane, as Paulinho put Sporting in front after the Arsenal defence fell asleep. Both sides botched great chances to pick out goals before a totally fluky own-goal from Hidemasa Morita saw the Gunners draw level.
Arsenal will fancy their chances of progressing to the next round of the competition when both teams square up again next week.
Arsenal’s hopes of winning silverware rest on the Europa League and the domestic league competitions where they currently occupy the first position.
