How Mikel Arteta will have treasured this win. Having come into their third successive appearance in the quarter-final of the Champions League on the back of devastating defeats in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, he had watched Arsenal put in another anxious performance against a spirited Sporting side who could have established a precious lead ahead of next week’s second leg in north London if they had taken their chances.

Instead it was Kai Havertz who again came to Arsenal’s rescue after scoring in the last round against his former club Bayer Leverkusen as he struck in injury time, with David Raya making a string of fine saves that underlined his importance to the side. After the doubts emerged in the defeats against Manchester City and Southampton, perhaps this will be the confidence boost that the Premier League leaders needed as they prepare to return to domestic action against Bournemouth on Saturday?

Arsenal may have thrashed Sporting 5-1 last season in the league stages but they were facing opponents who were brimming with confidence after their epic comeback in the previous round against Bodø/Glimt.

The Sporting manager, Rui Borges, had urged his players to seize their opportunity after...