Boring! Sporting star calls out Arsenal style of play in savage interview

Arsenal booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semifinal with a 0–0 draw (1–0 on aggregate) against Sporting CP, setting up a final-four clash with Atletico Madrid.

Mikel Arteta’s side failed to impress in the final third meanwhile Sporting came close to scoring when Geny Catamo hit the post with a well-struck volley.

Despite Sporting growing into the game as it progressed, the home side stood firm and managed to come away with a clean sheet.

Once again, spectators were not overjoyed with Arsenal’s dull performance, with Sporting’s Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand suggesting the match was “boring”.

Referee Francois Letexier interacts with Morten Hjulmand during the match against Arsenal. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

He said: “I think it was an even game today. The impact of the first game that we lost made it more difficult to go to the Emirates and win, especially when we don’t lose that much at home.

“It will be difficult here as well, but still a game with low intensity, no rhythm, zero goals — boring, I would say. I think there were a lot of stops during the game, so we couldn’t get the rhythm that we wanted.

“So yeah, a little bit boring if I was a viewer from outside — 0–0, and also the first game 1–0. It’s not the way Sporting wants to show itself. We want to score goals, create chances, and we didn’t do it today.”

Also speaking after the game, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta gave his verdict on his side’s performance.

When asked if performances matter in high-profile games, he said: “They do, and you have to be better than the opponent. I think we had many periods in the game when we were there, but we didn’t score the goal — we didn’t finalise the action well enough.

“We have many other things that are very important to get the result that you need in a tie. At this moment as well, it’s about the way you compete, and when you’re going to go and win titles, that’s what’s going to define the moments. We certainly did that tonight.”

With the semifinal spot now secured for the second consecutive season, Arsenal will shift their focus to Premier League action away at title rivals Manchester City on April 19.