Arsenal vs Porto: Champions League Last 16 – Gunners Face Tough Challenge in Second Leg
Arsenal are facing a huge second leg at the Emirates Stadium with their European chances currently hanging by a thread. The Gunners thought they had secured a 0-0 draw in Portugal before Galeno’s late effort gave Porto a huge advantage heading into the second leg. Arsenal remain heavy favorites to progress but it could be a tough night ahead for Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders.
Tactics will be key to progression
In the first leg, Sergio Conceicao seemed to find a way to nullify The Gunners’ attacking threat. Arsenal failed to register a single shot on target in the tie in Portugal. Mikel Arteta will need to find a way around this if they are to progress to the next round.
Gunners looking to impress in Europe
Victory tonight is imperative for Mikel Arteta’s side. Having had some absence from Europe’s top competition, Arsenal are looking to announce themselves back on the biggest stage. If they can progress to the quarter-finals, The Gunners would fancy their chances of going all the way in the competition.
Young winger looking to make history
Bukayo Saka has scored and assisted in all three of his home games in the Champions League this season. The only player to do so in four consecutive home games in the competition is Karim Benzema during the 2011/12 campaign for Real Madrid. Saka can equal that record this evening and, in the process, take his side into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Home is where the heart is
Arsenal have won all three of their Champions League home games this season by an aggregate score of 12-0. They have never won four in a row at home without conceding in the competition. Porto have never won a European game on English soil.
Gunners’ chance to set up perfect run-in
Victory this evening by more than one goal will see Arsenal into the quarter-finals of this season’s Champions League. The Gunners would then be top of the Premier League and one of the eight remaining teams in Europe’s elite competition. This is the perfect platform for Mikel Arteta’s side to attack the remainder of their season from.
Arsenal vs Porto: Match Analysis
The match kicked off with both sides coming into the game in good form. This Porto side did not look set up to defend their lead, leaving it up to Arsenal to cause them problems early on. However, the visitors looked confident on the break, with some neat movement that stretched the Arsenal defense. Arsenal tried to get stuck into Porto, not giving them any time on the ball, but this tactic could leave them short of numbers at the back if the visitors can play through the press.
As the game progressed, Arsenal started to find their rhythm, and Porto looked less sure of themselves when facing high-tempo attacking play. The fans got behind The Gunners, who were trying to break down Porto’s defensive unit but struggled for ideas. The away side seemed happy to pass the ball back to the keeper if there was nothing on, slowing down the game whenever they could.
Porto had a few chances of their own, with Evanilson having a sight of goal but being denied by a good save from Raya. Galeno also had a left-footed shot that went wide of the far post. Arsenal had their opportunities as well, with White’s lifted ball into the back post almost catching the visitors out, but Pepe managed to get a vital touch before colliding with the post. Gabriel met a cross and volleyed at goal, but it was ruled offside.
As the first half came to an end, getting to the interval with a clean sheet would be a massive win for Porto. Arsenal needed to find a way to break down the Porto defensive unit, with Saka being well-marked by Wendell. The Gunners resorted to more direct balls, trying to exploit the visitors’ defense.
Conclusion
The second leg of the Champions League Last 16 between Arsenal and Porto promises to be an intense affair. Arsenal, despite being heavy favorites, face a tough challenge in overturning the first-leg deficit. Mikel Arteta will need to find a way to break down Porto’s solid defense and unleash his attacking threat. The Gunners have the opportunity to make history and progress to the quarter-finals, setting up a perfect run-in for the remainder of their season.