Arsenal pegged Sporting Lisbon who took a 2-1 lead in the 55th minute back after an unfortunate own goal by Japan midfielder, Hidemasa Morita
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal came from behind to secure a hard-earned draw against Portuguese side, Sporting Lisbon in an entertaining Europa League last-16 first leg played at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 22nd minute through William Saliba, whose towering header from an assist by Fabio Vieira made it 1-0 to the Gunners.
Sporting Lisbon drew level 12 minutes later when Goncalo Inacio nodded home an equaliser from a corner by Marcus Edwards after a moment of hesitation from Matt Turner in the Arsenal goal.
Paulinho then fired the hosts ahead in the 55th minute, only for the Gunners to peg them back through an own goal by Japan midfielder Hidemasa Morita in the 62nd minute.
ALSO READ: Fabregas reveals why Wenger refused to re-sign him
The two teams then had a go at each other, creating numerous chances in a free-flowing encounter but none could break down the other.
Ex-Tottenham player Edwards was denied by Turner when the score was 1-1 and Paulinho wasted a great chance to make it 3-1 to the hosts before the wicked deflection off Morita made it 2-2.
Arsenal too had a chance to take a lead back to Emirates Stadium for the return leg next Thursday, but Vieira’s header was kept out by Antonio Adan.
Mikel Arteta’s men after the 2-2 draw will now focus their attention on the Sunday derby against London rivals, Fulham.
