Unveiling the Alarming Statistics behind Arsenal’s Porto Defeat and their Ongoing Champions League Curse
Arsenal’s recent defeat to Porto in the Champions League has unveiled some alarming statistics and highlighted the ongoing curse that seems to haunt the North London outfit in European competitions. The Gunners suffered a shock loss in the first leg of their round of 16 clash, with Porto securing a 94th-minute goal from Galeno. This defeat marked a significant milestone for Arsenal, as it was the first time since 2011 that they failed to have a shot on target in a Champions League match.
The lack of offensive prowess was evident throughout the game, with Arsenal failing to muster any shots on target against Porto. The front three of Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka struggled to make an impact, with Martinelli not managing a single shot during the entire game and Saka only registering one touch in the opposition’s box. Additionally, supporting players like Kai Havertz, William Saliba, and Ben White also had limited contributions, with Havertz only having one header that went wide, while Saliba and White missed opportunities with their heads.
The statistics only worsen for Arsenal when looking at their overall performance in Champions League knockout games. The defeat to Porto marked their fifth consecutive loss in such matches, with their last victory dating back to 2015 when they defeated AS Monaco 2-0 in France, only to lose on away goals in the second leg. This ongoing trend highlights a concerning pattern for Arsenal and their struggles to make an impact in crucial European ties.
Not only did Arsenal suffer from their own shortcomings, but they also allowed Porto to make their own history with the winning goal. Galeno’s strike became Porto’s latest-ever winning goal scored in the Champions League at 93 minutes and 22 seconds. Prior to this game, Porto had an abysmal record against English teams, having only won once in their last ten encounters. This victory came against Chelsea in 2021, and they had lost each of their previous six first-leg matches.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the lack of threat from his side and expressed the need for more aggression and purpose in their attacking play. He highlighted the importance of managing the ball better in deep areas and emphasized the need to beat their opponents if they want to progress further in the competition.
As Arsenal now prepare for the second leg at the Emirates, there is a sense of urgency to turn their fortunes around and overcome their ongoing Champions League curse. The statistics from their defeat to Porto serve as a wake-up call for the team, highlighting the areas that need improvement and the need for a more clinical and composed performance in front of goal.
In conclusion, Arsenal’s recent defeat to Porto has exposed some alarming statistics and shed light on their ongoing struggles in the Champions League. The lack of offensive threat, inability to create chances, and a string of consecutive knockout defeats raise concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level. As they approach the second leg, Arsenal must address their shortcomings and find a way to break free from their Champions League curse if they are to progress further in the competition.