Arsenal enjoyed a fantastic win over Sporting CP in the Champions League, ending their unbeaten home record since October 2023.
Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring from point blank range from an intelligent Jurrien Timber pass, the club’s top scorer, Kai Havertz, made it two when Bukayo Saka’s pass evaded the goalkeeper and fed him on a platter. At the stroke of half time, Gabriel smashed in a bullet header from a Declan Rice sumptuous cross and even incited the home crowd with a Viktor Gyokeres celebration.
In the second half, a rash lunge by Ousamanne Diomande on club captain, Martin Odegaard, led to a penalty that was taken aplomb by Saka. Leandro Trossard reacted the quickest when Mikel Merino’s goal-bound shot was saved by the goalie.
Arsenal wasn’t the only team that ran riot on Tuesday night with Atalanta running out as 6-1 winners over Young Boys of Switzerland but a noteworthy event from the night was the goalscoring exploit of their star striker, Matteo Retegui, that missed a penalty when the Gunners locked horns with Atalanta a few months ago.
Arsenal scouting Matteo Retegui ahead of transfer
September 19, 2024, Bergamo, Milan, Italy: David Raya of FC Arsenal keep the penalty of Mateo Retegui of Atalanta BC 1907 during the UEFA Champions League 2024/2025 football match between Atalanta BC and Arsenal FC at Gewiss Stadium on September 19, 2024, Bergamo, Italy. CALCIO – UEFA Champions League – Atalanta BC vs FC Arsenal PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY – ZUMAs349 20240919_zsa_s349_116 Copyright: xRobertoxTommasini/IpaxSportx/xIpx
According to Goal.com, Arsenal sent some members of the scouting team to watch the Young Boys vs. Atalanta game with Matteo Retegui in their sights.
The Argentinian forward has been in fantastic form this season, scoring 12 goals in 19 games. Retegui will fit the profile of the kind of players Arsenal prefers to sign, and he has the determination and potential to be one of the best strikers in the business.
