There wasn’t much to cheer about as an Arsenal supporter on Thursday evening at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners bowed out of the competition despite taking a first-half lead – with further bad news compounded when Takehiro Tomiyasu and William Saliba were both withdrawn within the first 20 minutes.

Gabriel Martinelli saw his spot kick saved in the shoot out, allowing Nuno Santos to slot home the winner, after a 1-1 draw after extra time, a 3-3 draw on aggregate.

However, when Xhaka swept Arsenal ahead on 19 minutes there was little sign of the drama in store on a long evening at the Emirates.

During the celebrations as the Gunners went 1-0 ahead, supporters spotted a bizarre celebration from the Swiss international, as he raised his hand to his face and wiggled his fingers towards his teammates. 

It's now been revealed the celebration was dedicated to his daughter - Xhaka's partner posted an Instagram story showing their beloved youngster copying the celebration as they watched his performance on TV.

Granit Xhaka dedicating his goal to his daughter?♥? pic.twitter.com/bi9AYA4z6Q

— Lucy (@luceafc) March 16, 2023

Alas, despite the joy, tt wasn’t to be as the home side failed to build on the lead and were punished when Pedro Goncalves scored a stunning leveller from a whopping 46 yards out, near the halfway line.

We came close to the winner several times in extra-time – notably from Gabriel and when Leandro Trossard hit the post – before Sporting had a man sent off late on.

Dreaded spot kicks were required – the first such instance at the Emirates in its 17 year history - and though Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard all netted, sadly Martinelli had his effort saved by Antonio Adan as the Lisbon side progressed to a quarter-final clash with Juventus.