livescore

Arteta slams Arsenal's lack of aggression in Porto loss
Copy icon

Mikel Arteta was disappointed with Arsenal's performance against Porto
Mikel Arteta was disappointed with Arsenal's performance against Porto

Mikel Arteta claims Arsenal lacked "threat and aggression" as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Porto in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Brazilian Galeno netted a curling effort in stoppage time to give the hosts the advantage going into the second leg at the Emirates on March 12.

It was an uninspiring display from the Gunners and Arteta, 41, did not hold back in his assessment of the performance.

He told TNT Sport: "We lacked threat. We lacked aggression, especially with the ball in the final third. We can do better.

"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."

Porto could have scored long before their late winner, with Galeno missing a wonderful chance in the 21st minute.

Arteta was complimentary of the Portuguese side, who defended well for long periods and stopped his Premier League title chasers from having a single shot on target.

The Spaniard added: "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."

Declan Rice, featuring in his first Champions League knockout game, explained how his side need more "savviness".

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. A lot to play for in the second leg."

Tags

ArsenalFC PortoChampions League
LiveScore logo

LiveScore: Live Sport Updates

Footbal Scores & Sports News

App storeGoogle play

About

Sports News - Latest Sports News & Today's Headlines

Stick with LiveScore for the latest sports news from around the world. Regardless of which sport is your favourite, you’ll always find the biggest headlines and stories in one place. From football to cricket, tennis to motorsport, we cover all the top stories from the most popular sports and much, much more. Throw in betting tips for anyone 18 or over and you have a match-winning formula at your fingertips. Breaking sports news flows thick and fast and we’re always here to deliver regular updates and insight as stories develop. Regardless of the time, the sports world never sleeps as so many different leagues, events and tournaments take place globally. And that means you’ll always have sports news to consume 24/7.