Arteta admits Arsenal had point to prove after ‘big moment in season’ with win at Sporting

• Havertz goal offers response after back-to-back defeats

• Arteta praises ‘extraordinary’ Raya for crucial saves

Mikel Arteta acknowledged that Arsenal had a point to prove against Sporting after losing their last two matches and believes that Kai Havertz’s late winner could prove to be a “big moment” in their season.

Arsenal had David Raya to thank for making three superb saves that kept the scores level before Havertz came off the bench to seal a priceless away victory. It was a huge relief for Arteta, who had urged his players to rediscover their identity after they suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time this season against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup.