![[FREE TO READ] Arsenal were at risk of losing their way. In Lisbon, they rediscovered their identity](https://www.eucup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/fQkh2wmeBW_e3AlU7muh4UQ139E13D7ktNr0kG8NpLY-1024x538.jpeg "[FREE TO READ] Arsenal were at risk of losing their way. In Lisbon, they rediscovered their identity")
Arsenal arrived in Lisbon in need of a mighty kick start. At a vulnerable point of their season, they craved a spark to resurrect their conviction. It came via a late burst of intention and precision, carved out by Gabriel Martinelli and finished stylishly by Kai Havertz.
How they relished it. It was not just rewarding, it was healing. It boosted the whole team’s belief system. “It was a big moment in the season,” Mikel Arteta reflected.
Even at 0-0, Arsenal had done a sufficient job under the circumstances. Priority number one here was simple: do not lose. After two bruising defeats, costing two cup competitions, another at this highly sensitive part of the season was unthinkable.
But in turning a good job into an excellent win, serving up an advantage in the Champions League quarter-finals with a home leg against Sporting next week, Arsenal sensed their season relaunching.
They can now get back to business in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime feeling good about themselves again.
by TheAthletic
21 Comments
don’t wanna be toxic, but it was same identity as past matches, difference was Raya
Bit overdramatic, eh?
Did we? Must have missed it.
Missing Timber, Saka and Eze…. Once back with Raya this team clicks much better.
This changed my perspective a bit. I’m still worried about how they’re playing right now, but I do think it’s very impressive that Arsenal came away with a win when the players looked so understandably nervy (some of Saliba’s touches for example) after crashing out of back to back competitions.
The point about unity and the way our subs have stepped up is so critical too. We would be feeling the injury crisis way more if our subs weren’t contributing as often as they do
It was a solid win at a tough place against an opponent who had been on fire. But let’s not blow too much smoke now. Let’s keep it honest and move. It was a 90+ minute winner that we probably deserved but still…
least dramatic TheAthletic title
So this is how we will survive, by being Harkonnens.
The Athletic posting on this sub. Recession indicator?
Anybody remember how the media claimed we were going to win everything after the Everton game?
It will be all doom and gloom again if we drop points against Bournemouth.
Not that the headline isn’t necessarily true…..
But its amazing the way the media uses our club to generate content no matter what the on field situation.
Maybe it is all big clubs and I jus live in Arsenal world but it is crazy.
Ooh Amy, I like Amy
I took it literally nd thought Arsenal forgot the way home
Reading the title.
I thought it was going to be about how arsenal were defensive solid, didn’t give much away, and defended for that lives.
But nope
It was two games ffs
What a load of bullshit.
Teams have blips and we are easily the most consistent team in the league, people shouting City are back when they’ve only won one league game in their last three, dropping points to two teams fighting against relegation
Because of two games?
There were small glimpses of progress in the second half but nothing to write home about. A bit of direct play from Martinelli and Dowman. Realistically Raya kept us in this tie and Havertz got us ahead.
Cannot get complacent at home, but I hope there is some positive play and desire to win the home game and not just avoid defeat.
Sure.. If by “rediscovering their identity” you actually mean “played their first choice players where possible”
Last night was a rough watch that really could have been 0-0 and it would have been fair. We squeaked that win and have to be better if we are to challenge Bayern and the others.