Manchester United will look completely different under the Dutch coach – as his first game in charge so thrillingly underlined

Erik ten Hag has already stamped his authority on Manchester United, with the new manager’s vision evident after just one game in charge. A 4-0 friendly win against Liverpool in Bangkok counts for little in terms of the result – even if the man described inside Old Trafford as “The new Sheriff” and the “The Conductor” has sparked a surge of optimism among fans with his spectacular start.

But it was the insights it offered into his early work that could be more telling.

Ten Hag has had little time to get to know his players – and is operating with a squad that will change significantly by the start of the season, with United working on deals for Frenkie de Jong, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez.

But his intensive training-ground approach is already having an impact, with players noting the detailed instructions they have been given and routines set up to ensure his high-pressing, possession-based tactics become second nature.

In just 90 minutes against an, albeit, much-changed Liverpool team, there was ample evidence of what the Dutchman wants to bring to Old Trafford…

• Getty
  

  High pressing

  It is remarkable that it has taken so long for a United manager to try to instil this modern approach to a team that has been left behind by Manchester City and Liverpool.

  The high press will be pivotal to Ten Hag’s plans – and even if there were doubts about the ability of a squad previously set up to counterattack to take on those principles, his work with them is already paying off.

  United repeatedly forced Liverpool into mistakes from which they capitalised. It is the type of high-risk football fans have been crying out for at Old Trafford.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  Dangers there to see…

  It’s not called risk and reward for nothing. On a number of occasions, United were left wide open when the press was broken – notably when Liverpool hit the post twice in the space of a minute in the first half.

  The best teams know how to keep hold of the ball to limit the danger of being caught on the break – and they also know how to deploy gamesmanship to cut out fast breaks.

  There was a naivety about United at times – as thrilling as their attacking play was.

• Getty
  

  Interchangeable front three

  On paper, a forward line of Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford is full of pace, trickery and goals. Getting them to consistently produce has been the biggest issue at United – at least in the cases of Martial and Rashford.

  But here they were, showing their immense potential as a front three to give defences nightmares.

  Martial, in particular, looked like a man with a point to prove – scoring an excellent goal and constantly chasing down the ball.

  Rashford looked as fit as he has in a long time, even if his finishing still needs to be sharpened.

  And Sancho was bubbling with menace – intelligently looking to set up team-mates, as well as netting a sweetly-taken opening goal.

  Most notable was the manner in which they rotated with all three capable of playing right across the front to drag Liverpool out of shape and create spaces to attack.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Adventure and fearlessness

  United have been a tough watch for the majority of the past nine years. Here they played with a freedom rarely seen in recent times.

  Players were taking risks, with midfielders racing in to join the attack – and full-backs chasing beyond the wingers.

  Ten Hag has repeatedly drilled into his full backs the need to cut inside the forwards to create options or decoys.

  Meanwhile, Fred’s wonderful chipped goal from the edge of the area spoke of the confidence the new manager is already instilling into his players.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em sua terra natal, Boa Vista (RR), Thiago Maia tem compartilhado vídeos aprimorando a parte física, enquanto cumpre quarentena e aguarda os próximos passos quanto à pandemia do novo coronavírus. Na manhã desta terça-feira, por exemplo, o volante do Flamengo esbanjou habilidade em um campo de futebol localizado perto de sua residência.

Recrutado por empréstimo junto ao Lille no início deste ano, Thiago Maia tem feito atividades com cones e sob os comandos de Joel Maia (veja aqui), o seu pai e torcedor fanático do Flamengo.

RelacionadasFutebol InternacionalJornal diz que novo Mundial de Clubes deve ser disputado em 2022Futebol Internacional14/04/2020Flamengo‘Live Solidária’ reúne ex-jogadores do Flamengo e canais voltados ao clubeFlamengo14/04/2020Futebol Nacional‘Jogo Seguro’: Ferj e clubes cariocas debatem protocolo médico para retomada de atividades no futuroFutebol Nacional13/04/2020

Thiago também compartilhou uma imagem a qual aparece com as três medalhas já conquistadas pelo Flamengo: da Supercopa do Brasil, Recopa Sul-Americana e Taça Guanabara. Ao todo, o camisa 33 soma seis jogos pelo time de Jorge Jesus, sendo três como titular.

Ainda não há previsão de quando os treinos no Ninho do Urubu retornarão. A princípio, os jogadores estão de férias (coletivas) até o dia 20 de abril. No entanto, a tendência é que o prazo do isolamento social seja prolongado.

DOAÇÃO EM BOA VISTA

No fim de março, cabe lembrar, Thiago Maia doou termômetros infravermelhos e equipamentos de proteção individual para o Hospital Geral de Roraima – estado em que nasceu.Os equipamentos serão utilizados pelas equipes de saúde no atendimento aos pacientes infectados pela COVID-19, sobretudo.

Part of the attraction of the World Cup is the ability for countries to outperform their size, economic status and club prestige on the pitch

Just like in 2018, Croatia proved to be a powerful force at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar despite numerous factors working against them – including a tiny population to draw talent from relative to the United States, Mexico and others.

Zlatko Dalic made the most of a talented generation led by Luka Modric, guiding Croatia to a third-place finish after a memorable quarter-final upset of Brazil.

So how did all of the competitors stack up when taking population into account? GOAL's list is calculated by working out the difference between where each country ranks in terms of population size and their final ranking at the World Cup.

When teams went out in the same round, we used points (if a team went out on penalties in the knockouts, we say they drew their match), then goal difference and then goals scored to split them.

• Getty Images
  

  32Iran (-21 points)

  Population rank: 5

  World Cup finish: 26

  Despite their size, it was hard to blame Iran for struggling in Qatar given the civil unrest back home.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  31Canada (-19)

  Population rank: 12

  World Cup finish: 31

  There was a lot of hope entering the tournament that Canada would be surprisingly competitive, but after playing Belgium close in their opener, they ran out of steam.

• Getty Images
  

  30Mexico (-19)

  Population rank: 3

  World Cup finish: 22

  Mexico parted ways with manager Gerardo Martino right after the tournament and must now re-assess their entire approach to international football. They're at a historical low point.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  29Germany (-11)

  Population rank: 6

  World Cup finish: 17

  Didn't make it out of their group. There's no way to sugarcoat such an underwhelming result.

Wrexham clinched the National League title and sealed promotion to League Two on Saturday – and they're going all-out with celebrations.

One of the most entertaining stories in football over the last few seasons took another turn as Hollywood-backed Wrexham sealed promotion into the Football League for the first time since 2008. The subjects of the docuseries Welcome to Wrexham have electrified their local community while bringing an unprecedented level of global interest to a lower-division club.

The squad managed by Phil Parkinson and carefully assembled by co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds following their 2020 takeover finally got over the line and lifted the National League title in exceptional style, pulling together a record-breaking campaign.

Below, GOAL has rounded up some of the best bits from the Red Dragons' well-deserved celebrations after they recorded a 3-1 win against Boreham Wood to secure their place in League Two.

🖥️ Watch Welcome to Wrexham on Hulu in the U.S.👕 Where to buy Wrexham kits, jerseys & accessories🎟️ Get tickets to see Wrexham vs Man Utd in San DiegoPlenty of tears

McElhenney and Reynolds cried tears of joy after the stadium erupted at the full-time whistle. Who knew that a non-league football club in Wales could have such an effect on two of the most famous people in the world?

AdvertisementCelebratory pitch invasion

As is very much the norm when it comes to celebrating a team's success at the end of the season in English football, the scenes spilled onto the pitch after victory was secured.

You know, the pitch the owners spent hundreds of thousands of pounds to relay twice upon buying the club…

Over to you, groundsmen.

Mullin's the man

After hitting 38 goals in the National League this season, it's no surprise to see the reception Mullin got at full-time, particularly as two of those came in the all-important game and in spectacular style.

The 28-year-old has been nothing short of exceptional since signing for Wrexham in 2021, firing them this far and cementing his legacy as a club legend.

He might not wear spandex like his boss does in Deadpool, but he's a superhero in his own right, and the hero Wrexham deserved.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Dressing room vibes

Having lifted the trophy and finally escaped the frantic scenes on the pitch, the Wrexham players got to enjoy their achievements from the comfort of the dressing room.

Their official Twitter gave an insight into the scenes and they looked fantastic.

Man City used to be well-stocked with world-class full-backs but are now having to call on their central defenders to fill the gaps.

Pep Guardiola made an intriguing tactical call ahead of Manchester City's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

🏆 TOP STORY: Liverpool's 'small club' celebrations slammed

📣 HAVE YOUR SAY: Are Man Utd doomed without Casemiro?

🚨 MUST READ: Where are the NXGN 2017 wonderkids now?

With Joao Cancelo on loan at Bayern Munich, Sergio Gomez struggling to bed in and Kyle Walker landing himself in trouble last week, the coach fielded four natural centre-backs at Selhurst Park.

John Stones played at right-back, Nathan Ake again featured at left-back, with Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji in the middle.

"I like when we play with four centre-backs, we are so solid, they are stable players, they are so calm and so composed – that's why we defended really well," Guardiola explained after barely allowing Palace a sniff at goal.

However, while his side were solid, they struggled to create many opportunities down the flanks and it took a late penalty for them to grab all three points.

Ake and Stones lacked the pace and verve to do the damage that Cancelo and Walker can do from the position.

Commentating the game for , Gary Neville said City need to address the full-back situation soon in the transfer market.

City's sudden shortage at full-back is all the more remarkable given that Guardiola spent over £200 million ($240m) on full-backs in the space of two years, signing Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo in 2017, and Cancelo in 2019.

As City prepare to host RB Leipzig in their Champions League last-16 second leg, GOAL takes a look at the defenders Guardiola should target to solve this unexpected problem…

• Getty Images
  

  Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig)

  Gvardiol is strictly a centre-back. But boy does he have the makings of a perfect utility player for Guardiola.

  One of the breakout stars of the 2022 World Cup, the Croatian is physically imposing yet technically brilliant, making him an ideal fit for the Premier League and City.

  Guardiola would relish turning him into a full-back that can effectively operate as a midfielder, just as he has done with Phillip Lahm, Joshua Kimmich, Dani Alves and Cancelo in the past.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  David Raum (RB Leipzig)

  Another player City will come up against on Tuesday.

  The 24-year-old had to fight his way through Germany's lower leagues to earn a move to the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim in 2021 and only needed one season in the top flight to convince Leipzig to shell out €26m (£23m/$28m) for him last summer.

  Raum won the under-21 European Championship with Germany in 2021 and the following year broke into the first team, starting all three matches at the World Cup.

  Raum is a more traditional full-back than Guardiola has favoured recently: he loves to fly down the wing and put in crosses.

  But given City have arguably the best centre-forward on their hands in Erling Haaland, maybe that is what they need.

• Getty Images
  

  Alex Grimaldo (Benfica)

  Guardiola has known about Grimaldo since he was a teenager.

  The left-back was breaking into Barcelona's B team in Guardiola's final season with the Catalans and showed impressive ability.

  A serious knee injury in 2023 de-railed his progress at Barcelona but he has re-built his career with Benfica and has been one of the Portuguese league leaders' most important players in what is proving a rip-roaring season.

  The timing could be right for their paths to cross again.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  Jose Gaya (Valencia)

  Gaya has been one of the most consistent full-backs in La Liga since making his Valencia debut in 2014 and is Spain's first-choice left-back.

  He has resisted offers from the likes of Real Madrid in the past and last year signed a new contract with his boyhood club until 2028.

  But with Valencia in serious danger of relegation, Gaya could surely be tempted away to a move to the Premier League and his club, who sold rising star Ferran Torres to City in 2020, could sure do with the money.

A late Rodrygo goal saved Real Madrid after a disappointing performance against city rivals Rayo Vallecano

The Brazilian, playing in the absent Vinicius Jr's position, provided a late moment of magic to snatch a home win, with his 89th-minute strike sealing an underwhelming 2-1 victory.

The home side endured a difficult opening to the game. 11th-placed Rayo Vallecano were aggressive in attack, and forced the usually sturdy duo of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos into a handful of giveaways. However, they couldn't make their possession count, with Thibaut Courtois called on to make a few neat saves.

And with the pressure soaked up at one end, Madrid struck at the other. Los Blancos started quickly from a drop ball, and cut open the visitors' defence with two swift passes. Karim Benzema was the beneficiary of it all, rounding the keeper and finishing from a tight angle.

He affected the game in other ways, too, pressing diligently and moving in and out of space to allow Madrid to settle into an attacking rhythm. By the time the second half came around, Los Blancos were thoroughly in control. But they couldn't find a crucial second, and were punished for it. Raul de Tomas ghosted past a sleeping Dani Carvajal and received a pass before firing his shot past Courtois with less than ten minutes to play.

Rodrygo played hero, though, dribbling into space and finding the bottom corner with a curled strike in the 89th minute to ensure Madrid ran out deserved winners.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Santiago Bernabeu…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (6/10):

Kept his side in it with a few saves. Will be annoyed not to come away with a clean sheet.

Dani Carvajal (5/10):

Handled Rayo's pacy left side reasonably well, although he was a bit shaky in possession at times. Fell asleep for the visitors' goal, though.

Nacho (5/10):

An odd decision to start him at centre-back, and he didn't really impress.

David Alaba (7/10):

Enjoyed one particularly entertaining surge down the right, solid otherwise.

Antonio Rudiger (6/10):

An odd selection at left-back. He spent 90 minutes proving he doesn't belong in that position.

AdvertisementMidfield

Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

Back into a defensive-midfield role, where he looks far more settled, but not really as effective.

Luka Modric (7/10):

Started slowly, but impacted play much more in the second half. Classy, as usual.

Toni Kroos (7/10):

Passed with his usual conviction. Freed up by not having to play as a No.6.

Attack

Federico Valverde (5/10):

Not involved much, although he did assist Benzema. He's a big part of this team long-term, but it's been a tricky few months on the pitch for the Uruguayan.

Karim Benzema (8/10):

Clearly playing through an injury, but took his goal well and caused problems with his movement.

Rodrygo (7/10):

Deployed on the left with Vinicius Jr out. Doesn't look as comfortable as he does on the other wing. Still, his late heroics ensured Madrid weren't embarrassed at home.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Subs & Manager

Dani Ceballos (6/10):

Given 30 minutes to impress with a contract extension potentially on the line.

Marco Asensio (6/10):

Didn't impact the game much.

Aurelien Tchouameni (N/A):

A good run out for a player still learning.

Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

He didn't get a devastating performance out of his team. But who can blame him when there's so little to play for? Modric and Kroos both enjoyed solid shifts, while Benzema got on the scoresheet. This wasn't pretty, nor was it always easy, but Ancelotti will take the win.

MatériaMais Notícias

Ao longo da carreira, o técnico Geninho ficou conhecido por montar equipes fortes no sistema defensivo. Uma das marcas era o sistema com três zagueiros, que fez muito sucesso no Goiás, em 2005/06.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol InternacionalRafael, ex-Manchester United, afirma que Neymar não é um líder no jogoFutebol Internacional23/04/2020Futebol InternacionalMatheus Fernandes diz que quer fazer história com camisa do BarçaFutebol Internacional23/04/2020GrêmioMatheus Henrique fala sobre a rotina na quarentena e a relação com a torcida do GrêmioGrêmio23/04/2020

Aos 71 anos, o atual treinador do Vitória não deixa as origens de lado. Ele gosta de ‘pegar’ o atacante adversário, mas por outro lado, mostra que o seu sistema defensivo funciona, principalmente neste começo de ano.

Assim como o seu rival, o Leão deixou de lado o estadual e apostou na Copa do Nordeste e Copa do Brasil, torneios mais rentáveis aos cofres do time do Barradão.

No total, o Vitória disputou 10 partidas e saiu de campo sem marcar nenhum gol em quatro oportunidades. No torneio regional, os comandados de Geninho marcaram 10 tentos e ficam empatados como o segundo ataque mais positivo da competição ao lado de Fortaleza, Confiança, Náutico e Imperatriz-MA.

Em relação a Copa do Brasil, o Leão disputou três partidas e o desempenho não é tão positivo, já que só marcou gols diante do Lagarto, quando venceu por 3 a 1. No último duelo antes da paralisação, quando visitou o Ceará, a equipe saiu sem marcar.

Confira os jogos que o Vitória marcou gols nesta temporada:

Copa do Nordeste
Sport 1 x 1 Vitória
Bahia 0 x 2 Vitória
Vitória 2 x 1 CRB
ABC 1 x 1 Vitória
Vitória 4 x 1 River-PI

Copa do Brasil
Vitória 3 x 1 Lagarto

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians bateu o Palmeiras por 1 a 0 no reinício do Paulistão, na última quarta-feira, na Arena. Apesar de o rival ter jogado melhor durante a maior parte do Dérbi, o Timão saiu com o resultado positivo, algo que foi valorizado pelo técnico Tiago Nunes, que entendeu que a postura mais defensiva é natural diante de um time forte, além destacar o desempenho em clássicos.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansATUAÇÕES: Cássio fecha o gol e garante a vitória do Corinthians no DérbiCorinthians23/07/2020CorinthiansCássio minimiza ato de vandalismo e valoriza dedicação do elenco: ‘Não pode ofuscar o mérito da vitóriaCorinthians23/07/2020CorinthiansCorinthians provoca rival e brinca com pichações após o apito finalCorinthians23/07/2020

Em entrevista após o clássico, em que respondeu perguntas da assessoria de imprensa do clube, o comandante corintiano comentou o bom primeiro tempo da equipe e segundo tempo abaixo da média, em que somente se defendeu. Para ele foi uma grande atuação defensiva da equipe e entende que, neste momento, o mais importante foi vencer para manter o time vivo no Paulistão.

– Oque fica desse momento foi uma atuação consistente da parte defensiva. Foi uma equipe que no primeiro tempo jogou bem, tentou propor o jogo, encontrou seu gol e no segundo tempo a gente não conseguiu ter as melhores oportunidades, mas conseguiu ter uma postura defensiva muito forte, muito consistente e que neste momento o mais importante foi o resultado, para dar tranquilidade, para que a gente possa ter uma continuidade dentro da competição, e acreditar que podemos ainda classificar, mas principalmente levantar a auto-estima do grupo e do torcedor corintiano – explicou.

Em três clássicos na temporada, o Corinthians venceu dois (Santos e Palmeiras) e empatou um (São Paulo), ou seja, está invicto contra os maiores rivais. Mas não é só: o Timão ainda não levou gols diante desses adversários. Coincidência ou não, foram as únicas partidas nesta temporada em que os corintianos não foram vazados. Tiago Nunes elogiou a capacidade do elenco nesses momentos.

continua após a publicidade

-Esse tipo de jogo a gente sabe que os jogadores acabam transpirando mais, aparecendo mais. O jogador do time grande acaba, nesse tipo de jogo, se destacando. Nós tivemos três clássicos: ganhamos contra o Santos, ganhamos hoje e empatamos fora, no Morumbi, contra o São Paulo, com a possibilidade de vitória também – avaliou o técnico alvinegro, que lamentou os vacilos contra adversários menos tradicionais, os quais ele remete ao processo de mudança:

– Acabamos tendo algumas dificuldades em jogos que fomos superiores a maior parte do tempo com adversários de menos tradição, mas faz parte de um processo natural de mudança de cultura de futebol, de mudança de cultura de clube, de mudança de cultura dos jogadores – concluiu.

O Corinthians volta a campo no próximo domingo, contra o Oeste, fora de casa, mas antes disso, nesta quinta-feira, ficará de olho no jogo do Guarani diante do Botafogo-SP. Caso o Bugre vença, o Timão estará eliminado do Paulistão. Com um empate ou uma derrota do clube campineiro, os corintianos permanecem vivos na briga por uma vaga nas quartas de final da competição estadual.

continua após a publicidade

GOAL breaks down what the U.S. could look like when the next major tournament rolls around next summer.

The U.S. men's national team's 2023 summer schedule is now over. They lifted a Nations League trophy, topping Mexico and Canada in memorable wins, but then a heavily-rotated team fell short in the Gold Cup. There's still plenty left to do this year, though, from Gregg Berhalter's first matches back in charge against Uzbekistan and Oman, friendlies against Germany and Ghana and then some Nations League matches to close the year.

There's plenty of soccer to be played this year, of course, and plenty of storylines left to unfold, from Berhalter's initial lineup decisions to a series of major transfers. Still, from the moment Panama's final penalty kick hit the back of the net in the Gold Cup on Wednesday night, all eyes turned towards one thing: the Copa America.

South America's premier tournament is coming stateside in 2024 and, while participants still haven't been confirmed as we await results from the Nations League, it's a safe bet to assume the U.S. will be there.

The Copa America is very much the USMNT's big moment this cycle, the one real chance for this team to get competitive fixtures on the road to 2026. With no World Cup qualifying necessary and big-time friendlies far less common than in years past, the U.S. won't have many big moments to truly prepare for the world's biggest tournament hitting home soil.

Because of that, the Copa America is paramount. Berhalter and co. will get the chance to go against opponents like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile and the list goes on. Running the gauntlet of South American teams will be difficult, for sure, but there is confidence that the U.S. can make some sort of run when the tournament gets going next summer.

Picking a squad won't be easy, and much can change over the next year. There's also the added complication of the 2024 Olympics, which could see several of the USMNT's younger stars and seasoned veterans head to Paris rather than compete in the Copa America. It remains to be seen how the USMNT will balance it all, but the team's top stars will no doubt be on full display against South America's finest next summer.

With that said, GOAL takes a look at what the USMNT lineup could look like and which players could jump into the XI by next summer:

(Players with * are also Olympic eligible)

GettyGK: Matt Turner

This one is pretty obvious. Turner is the current USMNT No. 1 and he likely will be this summer.

Part of that is because of his play, as Turner continues to be fantastic every time he puts on a USMNT shirt. The other part is that, at the moment, there really isn't anyone to challenge him, as the rest of the goalkeeping pool isn't really playing at the highest level.

Still, we'll have to see how many games Turner plays between now and next summer as his role at Arsenal may have an impact on this race.

In contention: Zack Steffen, Gaga Slonina*, Sean Johnson, Ethan Horvath

AdvertisementGettyLB: Antonee Robinson

He's recently signed a new contract at Fulham, leaving no doubt about his future. Robinson is clearly comfortable at Craven Cottage, and that's good news as he looks ahead to the Copa America.

The key question, though, has to do with his backup. For some time, the U.S. has looked for someone to fill that role. It appears they have it in DeJuan Jones, who should get another opportunity in the fall.

In contention: DeJuan Jones, John Tolkin*

GettyCB: Tim Ream

We'll have to see if Father Time does ever catch up with him but, if it doesn't, he'll be there next summer.

The Fulham star was fantastic at the World Cup and even better in the Premier League last season, which is why he's still here even at age 35. There are younger options on their way up, of course, but if Ream can continue on at a high level, can the U.S. really move on?

In contention: Miles Robinson, Auston Trusty

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyCB: Chris Richards

If the Nations League was any indication, Richards is coming for this spot.

He'll need to kick on at Crystal Palace, for sure, but his performances earlier this summer offered a glimpse into how good he can be. He's been tabbed as a future USMNT star for years, and this may be the season where he proves it.

In contention: Cameron Carter-Vickers,Walker Zimmerman, Jalen Neal*

Mikel Arteta's side will take a 2-2 draw back to Emirates Stadium for the second leg in London next week

Arsenal were far from their best at Sporting CP on Thursday night, but Mikel Arteta's side will go into the return fixture in London next week in good shape after a hard earned 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 clash.

There will be parts of this performance that will have worried Arteta, who saw his side once again concede from a set piece, but the Gunners boss will have been pleased with the character shown by his side to fight back from a 2-1 deficit to snatch a share of the spoils in the second half.

Arsenal's manager made six changes from the team that started against Bournemouth on Saturday and things seemed to be going relatively smoothly when the impressive William Saliba powered a header home from Fabio Vieira's first half corner.

But a combination of poor goalkeeping from Matt Turner and slack defending from debutant Jakub Kiwior allowed Goncalo Inacio to equalise before the break. Paulinho then pounced from close range to give the hosts the lead soon after the interval.

At that point Arsenal looked up against it, but they responded well and got themselves what could prove to be a crucial equaliser, when Granit Xhaka's attempted pass to Vieira deflected off the unfortunate Hidemasa Morita and snuck into the bottom corner to earn the visitors a 2-2 first leg draw.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from the Jose Alvalade Stadium.

• Getty Images
  

  WINNER: William Saliba

  Arsenal’s best defender on the night by some distance.

  It was not easy for Saliba alongside Jakub Kiwior, a player who he has never played alongside before at centre-back.

  But he performed well, even though Kiwior looked understandably nervous at times.

  Saliba was the one calming presence at the back for the visitors and made several excellent blocks and tackles to frustrate the hosts throughout a commanding performance.

  And he once again showed his threat at the other end when he rose highest to head home Fabio Vieira’s corner in the first half.

  This was far from a vintage performance from Arsenal, but they had the game’s outstanding performer in the French centre-back.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  LOSER: Matt Turner

  This was the American goalkeeper’s first appearance since the FA Cup tie at Manchester City in January so it was perhaps no surprise that he looked rusty.

  But Turner will still be disappointed by some moments in the game, especially Sporting’s opening goal from the corner.

  It was an excellent ball in by Marcus Edwards, but it landed inside the six yard box so Turner really should have come off his line and cleared the danger before Goncalo Inacio got his head to it.

  Arsenal’s keeper was then very fortunate not to give the hosts a second goal just before half-time when his poor pass out from the back was intercepted.

  Turner has proven himself to be good back up to Aaron Ramsdale this season, but this was not one of his more assured performances.

• Getty Images
  

  WINNER: Fabio Vieira

  Arsenal’s Portuguese playmaker had a good evening back in his homeland. 

  While a number of his team-mates struggled to make much of an impact, Vieira was always lively and looked like he could make something happen.

  His delivery for William Saliba’s opening goal was excellent and there were several moments when his clever movement caused the home side problems.

  Vieira always felt like the player most likely to open up the hosts and he was very close to getting himself on the scoresheet with an effort that fizzed just past the post in the second half.

  This was a big opportunity for Vieira to impress and it was one he certainly took as he looks to move in front of Granit Xhaka in the pecking order at Arsenal.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  LOSER: Jakub Kiwior

  This was always going to be a tough ask for Kiwior, who has had to sit on the touchline kicking his heels since joining Arsenal in January.

  These were the Poland international’s first competitive senior minutes since the World Cup and so it was perhaps no surprise to see him look a bit off the pace.

  He did have some good moments, but the way he failed to deal with the danger for Sporting’s first goal was disappointment.

  Even if he did get a shout from Matt Turner as the corner came in, he never really looked like he was ready to deal with the danger and that allowed Goncalo Inacio to have a free header inside the six yard box.

  When he looks back at the replays, Kiwior will certainly be disappointed with his part in the goal.