Arsenal qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa League with a goalless draw at home to 10-man Sporting in a game overshadowed by a potentially serious ankle injury to England forward Danny Welbeck.
A victory for Qarabag against Vorskla Poltava meant this 0-0 draw was enough to secure the Gunners’ progress from Group E as Sporting had Jeremy Mathieu sent off late on for scything down Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as he burst through on goal.
But it was Welbeck’s injury just before the half hour mark that was the main talking point from a largely forgettable Emirates Stadium encounter.
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Welcome!
Good evening and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of Arsenal vs Sporting in the Europa League, titanic stuff. Stay tuned for live updates throughout the match and the latest build-up, starting with team news around 19:00.
The players emerge
It's nearly kick-off time at the Emirates. Arsenal know that a win tonight will see them qualify for the knockout stages with two games to spare.
2 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Nine changes from the Arsenal side that drew with Liverpool on Saturday. Stefan Lichtsteiner has started at right-back, with Carl Jenkinson on the other side.
2 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Youngster Emile Smith Rowe looks to be lining up in the number 10 role for Arsenal, with Aaron Ramsey deeper in midfield tonight.
3 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Scare for Arsenal. Sporting press high and Guendouzi is caught out on the edge of his own box. Nani's shot is blocked and Arsenal clear.
5 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Smith Rowe makes a good run forward. Guendouzi looks to pick him out but his pass is slightly overhit and collected by Ribeiro.
7 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Danny Welbeck has five goals to his name so far this season. Can he get on the scoresheet again tonight? Smith Rowe is playing right up next to him at the moment so he shouldn't be short of support.
8 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Arsenal take a corner short. Iwobi's low cross is cleared before Carl Jenkinson smashes high and wide from about 30-yards out.
10 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Sporting fly forward. Diaby surges down the right side before putting in an early cross towards Nani. Lichtsteiner clears.
12 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Chance for Arsenal. Mkhitaryan picks up a loose ball in the Sporting box before crossing towards Welbeck. Sporting clear for a corner.
15 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Smith Rowe turns well on the edge of the box before shooting over the bar. Iwobi is looking lively for Arsenal on the left-hand side.
17 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Another good turn from Smith Rowe, who collects a ball from Lichtsteiner and looks to drive forward.
18 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Off the line! Arsenal are starting to step up a gear now. Guendouzi plays a clever one-two on the right-hand side before firing in a low cross. Ribeiro fails to collect and Coates clears to stop the ball trickling in.
20 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Arsenal have a free-kick towards the right corner flag after Lichtsteiner was tripped by Mathieu.
20 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Welbeck rises well but can't control his header as it sails wide.
24 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Smith Rowe has seen plenty of the ball for Arsenal so far. He looks a real talent.
25 mins: Arsenal 0-0 Sporting
Another headed chance for Welbeck, who gets on the end of a Lichtsteiner cross but fails to control his effort. The England striker looks to have picked up an injury in the process, too.
