NEW DELHI: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment with his team’s lack of attacking prowess as Porto secured a 1-0 victory with a stunning goal from Galeno in stoppage time during the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Arsenal, making their first appearance in a knockout match in Europe’s top club competition in seven years, struggled to break down Porto’s well-organized defense throughout the game.
The defeat put an end to Arsenal’s unbeaten record of eight games against Portuguese opposition and left them with a significant task in the return leg at home on March 12.
Arteta acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, stating, “We lacked threat. We lacked aggression, especially when we had the ball in the final third. So we will make some adjustments to improve our attacking play. We can do better.”
Arsenal’s last quarter-final appearance in the Champions League was in 2010 when they defeated Porto in the last 16. However, it is now Porto who hold the advantage.
Arteta praised Porto’s defensive organization, saying, “I think it’s a team that’s very well-organized defensively and they disrupt your rhythm constantly. If we want to reach the quarter-finals, we have to overcome our opponents, and that’s what we need to do at the Emirates.”
Arteta maintained faith in his starting lineup, opting for the same team that delivered a resounding 5-0 victory against Burnley over the weekend. In contrast, Porto defender Pepe, who will turn 41 next week, made his 119th appearance in the Champions League. The combined Champions League experience of Arsenal’s starting lineup before the match was 104.
Despite their lack of Champions League experience, Arteta believes in his squad’s ability to compete with Europe’s elite. Arsenal’s impressive run of five consecutive wins in the Premier League, with 21 goals scored, has bolstered their confidence. They are currently in the race for their first league title in two decades and are motivated by the prospect of a Wembley final.
Arsenal, who lost their only Champions League final appearance against Barcelona in 2006, have never won the competition.
Porto, on the other hand, were European champions in 1987 and 2004. Although they currently sit third in the Portuguese league, they frustrated Arsenal throughout the match.
Porto allowed Arsenal to dictate the tempo in the first half by surrendering possession but created the better opportunities. Galeno’s goal proved to be the decisive moment of the game.
Arsenal’s lack of a prolific striker was evident, and Arteta made a substitution with fifteen minutes remaining, replacing Leandro Trossard with Jorginho. However, it did not yield the desired result, and they were ultimately undone by Galeno’s moment of brilliance.
(With inputs from AFP)