Bukayo Saka sounds Arsenal warning to rivals after 'statement' Champions League win

Bukayo Saka believes Arsenal’s resounding 5-1 victory over Sporting in the Champions League serves as a stern warning to their rivals.

The Gunners’ impressive performance, featuring goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Saka and Leandro Trossard, marked a stylish return to form following their previous 1-0 defeat at Inter Milan.

Despite a brief scare when Goncalo Inacio scored for Sporting, Saka’s composed penalty restored Arsenal’s dominance. “I thought it did give us the momentum back,” Saka told the club’s website.

“Against a team like this there’s always going to be a period where we’re under pressure. We conceded one but the rest of it we dealt with it quite well.

“We showed ourselves on the top level. The away fans were top, I could hear them all game, I really enjoyed the atmosphere.

“We were really hungry. We knew what we wanted to do today and make a statement, so we feel like we did that.”

This season, Arsenal had previously failed to win or score in their Champions League away matches, but this triumph marks their largest away victory in the competition since defeating Inter by the same margin in 2003.

“I was most proud of not letting the occasion affect us,” Saka added.

Arsenal’s stunning victory in Europe, completely overshadowing a top-tier rival who crushed Manchester City 4-1 earlier this month, saw them climb to seventh in the league table.

The result marks a turning point for the Gunners, Saka adding: “We knew this was a big game. We lost our last Champions League game and we haven’t won in Europe in many, many games. I don’t remember the last time we even scored a goal away in Europe.”

“We just went out there with full confidence like that didn’t even happen, so I’m really proud of that.

“I think it’s our biggest Champions League away win in over 20 years. We came and played against a top team who hasn’t lost at home this season so we’re really proud of ourselves and we need to keep going like this.”

The setback for Sporting, now eighth following their first defeat of season, came after Ruben Amorim switched to manage Manchester United.

Morten Hjulmand of Sporting acknowledged the Gunners’ superiority: “They had more players in midfield. We could feel that on the pitch, they’re a tough opponent. It didn’t go well, we’re not satisfied and we need to do better.”