Angry Mikel Arteta slams Arsenal for two things they lacked during Porto defeat
Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal must do better if they’re to overturn Wednesday night’s defeat to Porto - after failing to manage a single shot on target.
The Arsenal boss was unhappy that his side had failed to stamp their authority on proceedings during their drab 1-0 loss in the Champions League last 16, first leg.
The Gunners were far from their free-flowing, attacking best in Portugal on Wednesday night, but looked set to return him with a goalless draw. However, a stunning 93rd minute effort from Brazilian forward Galeno handed the home side victory, and the lead ahead of the second leg in North London in three weeks time.
Speaking at full-time, the Arsenal boss couldn’t hide his frustrations with his side’s display and their inability to do more in the final third.
“We have to manage much better. We cannot win with the way we handled the ball on three occasions in deep areas. If you want to be in the quarter-finals you have to beat your opponent and this is what we will have to do at the Emirates now.
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"We lacked threat. We lacked aggression, especially with the ball in the final third. We can do better."
Asked whether it had been down to Porto making things difficult or his side’s shortcomings, Arteta told TNT Sport: "I think it's a team that's very well-organised defensively and they break your rhythm all the time. There are certain things we will have to do much better, we know what to expect."
Galeno celebrates his stunning winner (Getty Images)
A dejected Martin Odegaard couldn't believe it (Getty Images)Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice questioned whether he and his team-mates had shown a bit of naivety late in the day, failing to keep possession deep into stoppage time, giving the ball away repeatedly before being brutally punished by Galeno.
He said: "When it's 0-0, you look up at the clock and it's 93 minutes gone, if you aren't going to win the game then don't lose it. Maybe have the bit of savviness about us to stay in and get a draw in a tough stadium against a tough opponent.
"There were a couple of giveaways on the edge of our box. They caught us on the counter and he's stuck one in the top corner which is really disappointing.”
But the England star insisted that it will be a different story at the Emirates, predicting: “Knowing how we play at home, with our fans and energy, I think you'll see a team on the front foot from the start and we'll be looking to do that."
Ex-Arsenal defender Martin Known said: "The handbrake was on a little too much, was that inexperience?
“They need to hold that hurt now. Porto contained Arsenal. It was a harsh lesson for Arteta and his team tonight. Arteta and his team are young. I think they’ll learn quickly and be much better in the second leg.”
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