As the match approached its conclusion at the Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday evening, it seemed like Arsenal had secured a respectable 0-0 draw against the formidable Portuguese team. However, Wenderson Galeno’s late goal in the 94th minute tilted the scales in Porto’s favor, giving them a slight edge to take to the Emirates Stadium in two weeks’ time. This outcome left Arteta displeased as the final whistle blew.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, the Gunners’ manager expressed his disappointment: “Obviously we have to manage much better when you cannot win. The way we handled the ball on three occasions in deep areas, it’s not good enough. It’s half-time, you want to be in the quarter-finals, you have to beat your opponent and that’s what we have to do at the Emirates. We lacked threat, we lacked much more threat, more aggression when we had the ball in the final third, especially in the back as well, more purpose to hurt them. We can do better. We play at home now, we know them and we know what to expect.”
Arsenal’s progress beyond the last 16 has eluded them in their past seven attempts, with Nicklas Bendtner, a prominent figure in the Premier League, leading the charge the last time they advanced to the quarter-finals in 2010. Bendtner notably scored a hat-trick against Porto during that period, securing a 6-2 aggregate victory. Arteta hopes that a similar hero will emerge in the return leg on home turf, particularly after his team failed to register a single shot on target in Porto.
The 1-0 loss marks the conclusion of Arsenal’s five consecutive wins under Arteta, all achieved in the Premier League since the start of the year. As the gap at the top, widened by Liverpool on Wednesday night, the Gunners aim to continue their league streak and reduce the deficit when they take on Newcastle at the Emirates on Saturday evening.
Arsenal performance and stats
Arsenal is currently 1st in the Champions League with 13 points.
In the last 7 games, it has won 4 times, drawn once, and lost twice. In its last match, Arsenal lost 1-0 against Porto.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 16 goals and conceding 4.
