LATE KAI HAVERTZ GOAL EARNS ARSENAL VALUABLE FIRST-LEG WIN AT SPORTING LISBON

Kai Havertz scored a stoppage-time winner to fire Arsenal to a crucial 1-0 victory against Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon.

The last-eight rubber looked to be heading for a goalless draw before substitute Havertz latched on to Gabriel Martinelli’s ball to deliver a fine finish in the first minute of added time to put Arsenal in control of the contest ahead of next week’s return match at the Emirates.

Arsenal had David Raya to thank for keeping them alive with a wonderful early save to deny Maxi Araujo. Raya also produced a fine double stop late in the contest to keep Arsenal on level terms before Havertz struck.

Mikel Arteta’s side headed into Tuesday’s encounter following consecutive defeats for the first time this season, which have reduced their trophy aspirations from four to two.

But this was the perfect tonic for the Gunners as they bid to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the second season in a row for the first time in their history, and a timely boost ahead of their Premier League home match against Bournemouth on Saturday.