Arsenal 0-0 Sporting Lisbon: Gunners reach Europa League knockout stages as Danny Welbeck sustains horrifying injury

Arsenal 0-0 Sporting Lisbon: Gunners reach Europa League knockout stages as Danny Welbeck sustains horrifying injury
Arsenal have made the last 32 of the Europa League after playing out a goalless draw at home to ten-man Sporting Lisbon.However, the game that was massively overshadowed by a potentially serious injury to Gunners and England forward Danny Welbeck.The 0-0 draw was enough to send Unai Emery’s men through in a game which saw Sporting’s Jeremy Mathieu dismissed for a late scything challenge on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the forward burst through on goal.4

Mathieu received his marching orders for this challenge on Aubameyang

But it was Welbeck’s injury just before the half hour mark that was the main talking point from a largely forgettable Emirates Stadium encounter.The 27-year-old has overcome serious issues in the past, missing large chunks of his career with knee problems.This latest setback comes on the day he was named in Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad for the forthcoming games against the United States and Croatia.He was carried off the pitch following an awkward landing after he had beaten Sporting defender Bruno Gaspar to a header and it was clear he was in need of help.4

Welbeck left the pitch on a stretcher wearing a leg brace

The incident knocked the wind out of Arsenal’s sails but Welbeck’s replacement Aubameyang hit the crossbar as the visitors offered very little in terms of an attacking threat.But a 15th game unbeaten for Unai Emery’s side at least assured them of European football after the turn of the year with two group matches left to seal top spot.Arsenal enjoyed plenty of possession from the outset although the hosts were reduced to long-range efforts from Carl Jenkinson, again starting in the unfamiliar role of left-back, and youngster Emile Smith Rowe.Mathieu almost gifted Arsenal the lead as he diverted Matteo Guendouzi’s low cross towards his own goal before the ball was swept away. The game was then stopped for several minutes after Welbeck contested a header with Gaspar before appearing to suffer an ankle injury on landing.He required treatment on the pitch, including an oxygen mask and a leg brace, before he was taken off on a stretcher to be replaced by Aubameyang.Arsenal’s players, most notably Guendouzi, were clearly moved by seeing their team-mate in pain and the half did not really flow again.After the break, Aubameyang hit the crossbar within the opening minute as he turned Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s cross onto the frame of the goal.4

The visitors offered little going forward

The Gabon striker was certainly Arsenal’s liveliest attacking outlet and he sent another shot just wide of Renan Ribeiro’s goal as Arsenal looked to snatch the lead.Alex Iwobi also failed to hit the target with a decent chance as Sporting’s interim coach Tiago Fernandes turned to prolific forward Bas Dost from the bench in the hopes of leaving north London with three points.Emery readied young striker Eddie Nketiah for his first appearance of the season but was forced to instead bring on Ainsley Maitland-Niles as Stephan Lichtsteiner pulled up injured and had to be replaced.The game continued without any real chances of note, Mkhitaryan stabbing an Iwobi cross towards goal before Aubameyang saw an effort bravely blocked.4

Unai Emery’s men are unbeaten in their last 15 matches as they reach the Europa League knockouts with two games to spare

Aubameyang thought he had a late one-on-one to settle the contest but was fouled by Mathieu, who was shown a straight red card for the cynical trip.That was the last of the meaningful action as Arsenal failed to score for just the second time under Emery – but it will be Welbeck’s injury that dominates the fall-out.

---

CHELSEA will not punish Kepa Arrizabalaga after he refused to be substituted in the Carabao Cup final yesterday. Maurizio Sarri was ready to bring on penalty shootout specialist Willy Caballero but the young Spaniard had You have the fans too, they start to boo (so it's hard to hear/communicate).
Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham: Dropping Kepa Arrizabalaga was an easy

---

The Football Association has accepted the decision by an independent regulatory commission to clear Jose Mourinho of using foul language at the end of Manchester United's match against Newcastle
FA accepts decision to clear Jose Mourinho of using foul language

---

Everton transfer news: Toffees keen on permanent deal for Chelsea flop Michy Batshuayi EVERTON have entered the race to sign out-of-favour Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, according to reports.
Chelsea transfer news: Batshuayi to Everton deadline day

---

Real Madrid loanee Mateo Kovacic is unlikely to return to the Santiago Bernabeu, with Chelsea the frontrunners to sign the Croatian amidst interest from Tottenham.
Tottenham could reignite interest in signing Real Madrid man

---

HAPPY DAYS? The Reds have been at it every day of the week over the festive period When you're one of England's elite clubs you're used to playing at all times across the week but Liverpool gone further than most this festive period.
Wuhan University | collegeWiki

---

Championship table: How standings in the second-tier could

---

- Hazard was handed the award for his 15 Premier League assists this season - Christian Eriksen and Trent Alexander-Arnold finished joint-third with 12 assists each. Eden Hazard has won the Premier League playmaker award after the Chelsea star claimed one assist ahead of Bournemouth Ryan Fraser.
Christian Eriksen joins David Beckham as Premier League

---

Northern Ireland 2-0 Estonia: Steven Davis slots late penalty as Michael O'Neill's side end winless run at Windsor Park Northern Ireland earned a much-needed victory in a match Michael O'Neill had called essential as they saw off Estonia 2-0 in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier at Windsor Park. After a tough draw that..
~ England U21 1-1 Poland U21: Aidy Boothroyd's side struggle

---

Gareth Bale: How much does golf-crazy Real Madrid star earn compared…
Football gossip: Sarri De Ligt, Rodri, Gundogan, Ramos

---

'Give Alexis Sanchez games and he will deliver for Manchester United' - Danny Murphy sends message to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Monday, 18 February 2019 Alexis Sanchez looks fit, sharp, is still one of the Premier League's most gifted players and WILL deliver for Manchester United if given the chance.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 'sets deadline

---

Chelsea Premier League fixtures 2019/20 full schedule: Blues handed mouth-watering opening day clash vs Man United Chelsea have discovered their fixtures for the 2019/20 Premier League campaign but there is an air of uncertainty at the club with Maurizio Sarri seemingly on talkSPORT 3 hours ago
Manchester United Premier League fixtures 2019/20 full

---