Izuchukwu OkosiArsenal’s Europa League hopes are finely poised after a hard earned 2-2 draw against the home side, Sporting Lisbon in the round of 16 of the competition on Thursday night.
The night’s other English tie saw Manchester United bounce back from the 7-0 humiliation at Liverpool in the Premier League to win 4-1 against Real Betis at Old Trafford.
In Lisbon, the Gunners came from behind to draw 2-2 after Mikel Arteta made six changes to the side which secured a last-gasp victory over Bournemouth on Saturday to remain five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
William Saliba’s header had Arsenal ahead but goals either side of half-time from Goncalo Inacio and Paulinho put Sporting in the driving seat.
A Hidemasa Morita own goal saw the visitors secure a draw to take back to the Emirates Stadium next week, where they will be hoping to advance to the quarter-finals.
Manchester United took control of their tie against Real Betis with a commanding first-leg victory at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford’s thumping early strike put the hosts ahead and, while former Newcastle United forward, Ayoze Perez levelled for Betis, Erik ten Hag’s side created several excellent chances and were worthy winners.
Antony curled in a superb second to put United back in front before Bruno Fernandes headed home Luke Shaw’s corner in front of the Stretford End to extend their lead.
Wout Weghorst’s late goal put the gloss on a performance that proved to be the perfect response to Sunday’s humbling 7-0 defeat at Anfield against Liverpool in the Premier League.
United travel to Seville for the second leg on Thursday, 16 March.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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