Mikel Arteta told to make Arsenal change as Gunners star singled out after Sporting win

Mikel Arteta told to make Arsenal change as Gunners star singled out after Sporting winKai Havertz came off the bench to score Arsenal's late winner at Sporting Lisbon and Theo Walcott insists the Gunners are far better when the German is startingCommentsSportSamuel Meade Sports Brand Writer22:43, 07 Apr 2026Updated 22:43, 07 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesKai Havertz came up with a vital late winner at Sporting LisbonTheo Walcott is adamant that Arsenal are "always a better team when Kai Havertz is in it" after the German landed a late winner to down Sporting Lisbon.‌The Gunners produced the perfect response to their domestic setbacks by beating the Portuguese outfit on the road. Arsenal became the first time to win at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Europe this season, owing to the German's late goal.‌Havertz had begun the night on the bench but combined with another substitute in Gabriel Martinelli to put Arsenal in the driving seat ahead of next week's second-leg. The ex-Chelsea man had been out injured earlier this season and is still looking to re-establish himself as a starter.‌He has previously been used as the focal point of the attack, but that is no longer the case with Arsenal boasting a No 9 in Viktor Gyokeres. It leaves Havertz still seeking a natural home in the starting XI.OPINIONJohn CrossArsenal player ratings vs Sporting as three 8/10 stars help secure dramatic winArsenal FC