Sporting player calls out Arsenal and Mikel Arteta's 'boring' style of play in savage interview

Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand described the Portuguese side’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal as “boring” in a brutally honest post-match interview.

On Wednesday (April 15), Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal progressed to their second Champions League semi-final in two seasons with a rather dull 0–0 draw (1–0 on aggregate) against Sporting CP, setting up a final-four clash with Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal began the match in the box seat thanks to Kai Havertz’s late goal in the first leg, which proved to be the only strike of the tie.

In line with many of Arsenal’s recent matches, the tension around the Emirates was apparent, with several supporters no doubt fearing the worst 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 Hjulmand suggesting the match was “boring” when he spoke to CBS after the game.

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 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.”

Arsenal return to Premier League action away at title rivals Manchester City on April 19.