LISBON: Arsenal’s Europa League hopes are finely poised after a topsy-turvy first leg of their last-16 clash with Sporting Lisbon ended in an entertaining draw.

The night’s other English tie saw Manchester United bounce back from the 7-0 defeat at Liverpool with a 4-1 win over Betis in Old Trafford.

In Lisbon the Gunners came from behind to draw 2-2 after Mikel Arteta made six changes to the side which secured a last-gasp victory over Bournemouth on Saturday to remain five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

A William Saliba header had Arsenal ahead but goals either side of half-time from Goncalo Inacio and Paulinho put Sporting in the driving seat.

A Hidemasa Morita own goal saw the visitors secure a draw to take back to the Emirates Stadium next week, where they will be hoping to advance to the quarter-finals.

United win

Manchester United took control of their tie against Real Betis with a commanding first-leg victory at Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford’s thumping early strike put the hosts ahead and, while Ayoze Perez levelled for Betis, Erik ten Hag’s side created several excellent chances and were worthy winners.

Antony curled in a superb second to put United back in front, before Bruno Fernandes headed home Luke Shaw’s corner in front of the Stretford End to extend their lead.

Wout Weghorst’s late goal put the gloss on a performance that proved to be the perfect response to Sunday’s humbling 7-0 defeat at Anfield against Liverpool in the Premier League.

United travel to Seville for the second leg on Thursday, 16 March (17:45 GMT).

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