Arsenal may have got past Sporting - but they still look tired, flat and fatigued

Arsenal may have got past Sporting - but they still look tired, flat and fatiguedARSENAL 0-0 SPORTING: The Gunners booked their place in the Champions League semi final, but endured another nervy night as they were held at the EmiratesCommentsSportopinionJohn Cross Chief Football Writer22:13, 15 Apr 2026Updated 22:13, 15 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesArsenal midfielder Declan Rice reacts after the final whistle vs SportingThere was little fire but plenty of fear. And yet somehow Arsenal managed to drag themselves over the line and into the Champions League semi final.‌On the face of it, the result was enough and Arsenal are into their first back-to-back semi finals which should reignite their faltering season.‌But it rarely felt that comfortable. Instead, it was a nervy stalemate decided by Kai Havertz’s injury time winner in the first leg. Arsenal barely created a decent chance to score at home.‌Mikel Arteta had demanded before the game that Arsenal bring “pure fire” and showed “no fear.” But those words fell all too flat.The huge pre-match tifo banner read: “History In Our Sights” with a clear message about reaching consecutive European semi finals.OPINIONJohn CrossArsenal player ratings vs Sporting as 4/10 star struggles but Gunners progressArsenal FC