Kai Havertz has delivered a timely reminder of Arsenal's resilience, insisting the Gunners' season can still be "very special" despite recent stumbles. His dramatic stoppage-time winner against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League quarter-final first leg has reignited belief at a crucial moment.

The 1-0 victory in Portugal arrived after Arsenal's first back-to-back defeats of the season, a wobble that threatened to derail their promising campaign. Havertz's late heroics have steadied the ship, providing a vital advantage heading into next week's return leg at the Emirates.

"We needed that as we were all frustrated with how the last couple of weeks went," Havertz admitted. "But now it’s time to move forward, it’s time to be positive and it’s time to all stick together. As a group – as players, staff and the fans – we’re all in this together and we still can make something happen this year. It can be something very special."

That sentiment of belief was powerfully echoed by goalkeeper David Raya, who was the hero at the other end with a series of crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. His performance, which included a stunning early stop, was a defiant response after being benched for recent cup exits.

Raya, who now boasts a remarkable 22 clean sheets this season—the most in Europe's top five leagues—spoke with unwavering confidence about the team's ultimate ambition. "We believe 100 per cent that we can win it," he declared, targeting a first Champions League trophy for the club.

For a squad and fanbase dreaming of major silverware, this gritty European away win is the perfect catalyst. It proves that this Arsenal side, when tested, has the character and quality to fight for glory on all fronts. The stage is now set for a thrilling run-in, where every moment of skill and determination will count.