Arsenal do it their way to establish blueprint for success in run-in

Attacking and creativity problems remain but all that matters now is results

The Sporting fans belted out their anthem O Mundo Sabe Que to the tune of My Way as the match kicked off.

How apt they felt. Just over 90 minutes later, Arsenal were walking off triumphantly in Lisbon on a night that could feel even more significant come the end of May, when the biggest prizes are dished out. And they did it their way.

For much of the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie, it was a less a roar of defiance from Arsenal in the face of recent setbacks and more a tacit acceptance of what is required.

The Gunners have not got into their position of strength by playing thrilling, expansive football. Forget about turning to that to get over the line - entertainment is not on Mikel Arteta's immediate mission statement.

A goalless draw appeared a banker but then Gabriel Martinelli clipped a ball into the box in stoppage-time. Kai Havertz took one touch to kill it stone dead and another to roll it into the bottom corner.

Kai Havertz scored a late winner against Sporting to put Arsenal in control of their Champions League quarter-final

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The pressure valve was lifted and the pitchforks were put away. A match that could have turned a concerning run into nigh on a crisis instead provided a major lift and perhaps even a blueprint.

Some might argue that is too reactive to one goal. That a stoppage-time winner should not gloss over all that came before. However, at this stage of the season, results are all that matter.

Arsenal still have attacking problems and there is a lack of creativity. The technical quality on display has too often been a concern as well.

Those are issues for the summer. Now all that matters is that Arsenal find a way and this, as has been the case this season, is their way.

On Monday, Arteta called on Arsenal to bring their "identity" back to the fore. He did not expand on what he meant by that but the reminders came 24 hours later.

Tough to beat. Huge performances from the likes of Declan Rice and David Raya. A relentless desire to keep out the opposition. Control bordering on caution. Efficiency in key moments in the opposition's box.

Against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup there was no control or big performances. In the defeat to Southampton, Arsenal were not efficient nor did they show the necessary desire. In neither were they tough to beat.

As Arteta put it on Tuesday night, the win over Sporting was "a big reminder of what we are as a team and the things that have brought us where we are". The mood in the dressing room will have been transformed.

Arsenal averted what could have turned into a crisis after back-to-back domestic cup exits

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

From his conversations with the players, his coaching staff and even the club's hierarchy, Arteta has been delighted with the response to setbacks behind-the-scenes.

He said: "I cannot be prouder to work in a club with people that the only thing they could do is ask, what else can I do to help?

"And when you have people like this, I don't know if it's going to take another week or two, but something really will happen at the end because we deserve it."

Arsenal are now firm favourites to reach the Champions League semi-finals but it is the Premier League that will define their season.

The first leg with Sporting was as important for how it set the Gunners up for the resumption of league action as it was for their European ambitions.

Arsenal, with renewed confidence, host Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, a day before Manchester City travel to Stamford Bridge. The Gunners can ensure Pep Guardiola's side make that trip 12 points off the pace.

There will be understandable nerves at the Emirates Stadium and that will further test Arsenal's mentality.

In the current situation, it is hard to imagine them racing into a big lead and putting the match to bed early but Tuesday night showed that is not necessarily required.

It was a timely reminder that Arsenal's principles can be enough when executed properly. Enough to grind out results when it matters most. To face it all and stand tall, doing it whatever way finally delivers success.