Arsenal reporter for The Evening Standard Simon Collings was left stunned by a solo run from Gabriel Martinelli that almost led to a goal against Sporting.

The Lowdown: Stalemate

Arsenal had to settle for a 2-2 draw to take back to the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 clash on Thursday evening.

William Saliba had nodded the Gunners in front with a header from a corner kick, but Goncalo Inacio equalised in the same manner, before Paulinho put the hosts 2-1 in front early in the second half.

Mikel Arteta's team saw an unfortunate own goal from Hidemasa Morita trickle into his own net to level the scores, with the tie finely poised going into the second leg next Thursday night.

The Latest: Almost an incredible goal...

With the score at 2-1, Martinelli almost scored an incredible solo goal, as he started dribbling with the ball deep into his own half, beating challenges from three Sporting players before rounding the goalkeeper.

Unfortunately, defender Jeremiah St. Juste recovered to intercept the ball, meaning that the chance had gone, but journalist Collings was left wowed after watching Martinelli's slalom run:

"My word. Martinelli so close to one of the great goals. Unreal run from his own half."

The Verdict: Shame

It was a shame that Martinelli could not finish off the move, but it was a piece of individual brilliance from the Brazilian.

He won ten of his duels in total, the second-most on the pitch, and also recorded a team-high three shots, seven successful dribbles and two key passes in the match (SofaScore).

Of course, had he scored, the North Londoners would be taking a lead into the second leg, but now they will have to beat Sporting at home if they are to go through to the quarter-finals.