Arsenal’s biggest critique in recent weeks was highlighted by one of their rivals.
The Premier League leaders have got it in the neck for their defence-first style under Mikel Arteta which has invited pressure and seen their trophy hopes fade.
They still could win the Champions League after making the semi-finals where they play Atletico Madrid.
To do that they took down Sporting in the quarter-finals, but not exactly convincingly, drawing 0-0 in the second leg after a 1-0 first leg win.
Arsenal’s tactics questioned again
Speaking after being knocked out, Sporting captain Morten Hjulmand drew on a recent criticism of the Gunners.
“I think today was a balanced game,” he began.
“I think the impact of the first game, which we lost, made it harder to go to the Emirates and win, especially when we haven’t lost much at home.
“I knew it was going to be difficult here too, but even so it was a game with little intensity, no rhythm… zero goals… boring, I’d say.”
He added: “I think there were a lot of interruptions during the game, so we couldn’t get the rhythm we wanted.
“So, yes, a bit boring if I were a spectator. 0-0, and the first game was 1-0…
“That’s not how Sporting wants to show itself. We want to score goals, create opportunities, and today we didn’t.
“During the game I felt a lot of stoppages, especially on set pieces, and that takes a lot of time away from the game and the rhythm as well.
“When we managed to get into the rhythm, especially in the first half, I think we created many opportunities to make it 1-0.
“But, in the end, we didn’t create enough to win the game, to be honest.”
Hjulmand to Arsenal?
Despite his thinly veiled critique, Hjulmand actually wouldn’t want to upset Arsenal.
Not only does the Dane have a Gunners tattoo, but he’s continually linked with a Premier League switch.
Curiously post-match he was spotted with his agent leaving the stadium.
He embraced Ivan Marko Benes before a long conversation, which may well raise eyebrows in Lisbon.
Sporting’s take on the game
Speaking post-match, Sporting head coach Rui Borges said he was proud of his team.
“The word ‘pride’ is right to describe the team and the group,” he said.
“For everything they did in these two games, I think we deserved at least to play extra time today.
“In both games, the best opportunities belonged to Sporting.
“The character and personality we showed in battling against one of the best teams in Europe was fantastic.
“The word ‘pride’ is right to describe this group and the demonstration of character, strength, and quality they have shown throughout the season.
“Of course, today it has more impact because it’s the Champions League, but we showed that we are also the best.”
Discussing Arsenal’s approach, he added: “Difficulties with the ball are simple. Arsenal has one of the best defensive lines in Europe. Extremely strong center-backs in duels, fast, and that’s a major factor.
“We’re not very strong physically in duels; we like to have the ball, to play a possession-based game. We have transitions at times… At certain moments in these games, transitions will happen.
“And we’re battling against a very strong defense at all levels. Athletically, in terms of speed… That’s why it was important for us to be able to establish ourselves, break down defenses, and keep possession. To have sustained attacks, not let them open up play.
“Arsenal is also strong in that aspect because they have strong players.
“The strategy was a little bit about establishing ourselves and finding the right moment. More than transitioning or engaging in duels, because that’s where we’ll lose.
“The center-backs are fast, strong. Luis played two great games. It’s not just running that tires you out, it’s also dealing with duels.
“Arsenal’s two center-backs are two ‘animals,’ not in the literal sense of the word, but as we say in football.
“Defensively, we didn’t let Arsenal create chances. At times, given their mobility, Odegaard – in the game at Alvalade – led us to not have as many pressing timings, and created superiorities that didn’t create danger for us.
“We were very compact, concentrated and rigorous. We only had a defensive inferiority in the first moment. And today it was a bit like that too.
“We let them gain superiority in the corridor, but it was a ‘dead’ corridor. But at some moments you can’t jump.
“The man who created superiority in the first half was Eze, who stayed away from Ousmane and Inácio. But there you go, they didn’t create danger in front of goal. The team was fantastic.”
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