Porto 1 – Arsenal 0 shots on goal

Okay, it was a tough pill to swallow seeing Porto score in the final minute of stoppage time on Wednesday. After already accepting a draw as a favorable outcome, Porto’s last-gasp goal quickly turned acceptance into disappointment.

The Gunners will have a second chance to right the ship against this Portuguese side at home on March 12th. This will be a must win by two scenario or Arsenal can call it quits on another Round of 16 in the Champions League.

During the match on Wednesday, Arsenal control the ball 64.8% of the game. The lads had seven shot attempts, but zero shots on goal. Conversely, in the Gunners last two matches combined, they had 31 shot attempts with 14 on goal. Obviously, Mikel Arteta’s squad had a very difficult time v Porto’s defensive block. Side note – this was the first Champions League match for Arsenal to have zero shots on goal since March, 2011.

Now, to some observers the game was edgy, yet lackluster. Agreed, however, it was also a game where the Gunners lacked precision and zip on their passing, and were missing those classic runs through the box. Ultimately, it became a game of attrition, where Arsenal was just trying to hang-on to a 0-0 draw. But then in the last minute – bam, game over.

Declan Rice said it best, “This was a kick in the teeth. We will need everybody for the 2nd leg.”

I guess the thing that bothered me the most was Arteta’s inability to find a solution to breaking down the Porto back wall. It looked like the Gunners had no idea what to do, or how to find any opportunity whatsoever to score. Arsenal also had nine corner kicks, and additional free kicks that produced zero as well. Plus the Gunners counter-attack fizzled every time with poor passing or good Porto defending.

Of course, we can not take away the fact Porto played a brilliant defensive game. They were quick, determined and focussed the entire match.

Yes, the 2nd leg of this tie will be very difficult unless Arteta can find a new approach to throw at Porto.

All is possible on March 12th.

Now it’s back home to face Newcastle United in an all important Premier League test on Saturday.

COYG!

Gunner1953