The stats could make nervy studying after defeat at Porto within the Champions League final 16, however Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta insists his aspect will “be taught” earlier than the second leg in north London.
The Gunners misplaced in stoppage time due to Galeno’s excellent strike however Arteta stays assured Arsenal will prevail within the tie.
Arsenal haven’t reached the quarter-final stage since 2009-10 and have gained the primary leg in simply one among their final 12 two-legged knockout ties within the competitors (drawing two and dropping 9).
They’re additionally competing within the Champions League for the primary time since 2017 and seemed far in need of their free-flowing greatest on the Estadio do Dragao.
“We’ll be taught from it. Now it’s clear, it’s half-time,” mentioned Arteta.
“If you wish to be within the quarter-finals it’s important to beat your opponent and that would be the function and the plan.”
Arsenal’s file signing Declan Rice is assured followers will see a special crew subsequent month at Emirates Stadium.
“I feel it is about preserving our heads. It is arduous to concede that leg,” he mentioned.
“Realizing how we play at residence, with our followers and vitality, I feel you will see a crew on the entrance foot from the beginning and we’ll be wanting to try this.
“It is an actual kick within the enamel as a result of we have conceded late however we all know what to do.”
Arsenal missing a goalscorer?
Former ahead Theo Walcott, who scored 108 objectives in a 13-year spell at Arsenal, was on BBC Radio 5 Dwell for the sport and spoke in regards to the want for a “prolific goalscorer”.
“We have been talking in regards to the squad depth that Arsenal have earlier than the sport,” he mentioned. “However now wanting again, does Mikel Arteta belief the gamers exterior of that beginning XI? He solely made one substitution tonight.”
The Gunners boss named an unchanged aspect for 3 successive video games and after free-scoring league wins at West Ham and Burnley, this appeared like a recreation too far for a similar set of gamers.
It was a uncommon off night time for Arsenal’s assault as they didn’t register a shot heading in the right direction in a Champions League match for under the second time on file (since 2003-04), beforehand doing so away to Barcelona within the final 16 in March 2011.
“I’ve mentioned this quite a few occasions not too long ago, I feel the argument about Arsenal’s lack of prolific goalscorer will rear its ugly head once more,” Walcott continued.
“I’m a giant fan of a sure Brentford ahead that I will not identify, however it’s a kind of. Arsenal are a very huge crew, however with all of the set-pieces, should you’ve bought somebody like that in your crew you might be a fair greater risk.”
Arsenal have been linked to Brentford ahead Ivan Toney, who’s out of contract on the finish of subsequent season.
‘Enjoying with the handbrake on’
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown described the defeat as a “sucker punch” for Arsenal on TNT Sports activities.
“Possibly it comes all the way down to expertise, I hope it would not come again to hang-out them,” he mentioned.
“It was a harsh lesson for Arteta and his crew tonight. The handbrake was on a little bit an excessive amount of – was that inexperience?
“They should maintain that harm now. Porto contained Arsenal.”
‘That’s Champions League soccer’
Former Celtic supervisor Neil Lennon was on BBC Radio 5 Dwell for the sport and thinks Arsenal nonetheless have an excellent probability of going by way of to the quarter-final stage.
“I do not assume Arsenal did lots fallacious and I do not assume 1-0 will likely be sufficient for Porto going to the Emirates,” he mentioned.
“At 0-0 there may be at all times that potential for a deflection or a marvel purpose like we have seen tonight. It was a marvel strike from Galeno.
“The final word smash and seize, however Porto will not care. That’s Champions League soccer.”
Walcott additionally remained optimistic about Arsenal’s capacity to advance: “These ties aren’t gained over one leg.
“I’m assured that given Arsenal’s total kind in the mean time and the ambiance within the Emirates, they’ll nonetheless have the ability to undergo fairly comfortably.”
