Mikel Arteta hails Thomas Partey after Arsenal's dominant win over Sporting Lisbon

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey following his standout performance in the team's 5-1 thrashing of Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday.

Partey played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s commanding display, which saw them register as many goals in this match as they had in their previous eight Champions League away games combined.

Arteta lauded Partey’s performance, describing it as one of the best he had seen from the midfielder:

“I think it’s one of the best performances I have seen from him, especially the way he’s dominated the game. That’s the level he can play at, he’s progressing. He’s a MASSIVE player for us!”

The Gunners were in control from the start, with Gabriel Martinelli opening the scoring early, tapping in from Jurrien Timber’s low cross.

Arsenal doubled their lead in similar fashion, with Saka’s ball across the box finding Kai Havertz for a close-range finish. Gabriel then scored his first Champions League goal just before halftime, powering in a header from a Declan Rice corner.

After the break, Sporting briefly reduced the deficit with a left-footed strike from Goncalo Inacio, but it was a mere consolation.

A penalty was awarded after Ousmane Diomande fouled Martin Odegaard, and Saka confidently converted the spot-kick into the bottom corner.

Leandro Trossard then made it 5-1, heading into an empty net after Mikel Merino's shot was parried by Sporting’s goalkeeper.

This resounding victory lifted Arsenal to seventh in the table, and Arteta was pleased with his side's performance, particularly after a difficult run in away Champions League matches.

The fast start and complete domination left Sporting with little chance to recover.