“Arsenal (0) vs Porto (1)
Kick-off is at 8.0pm at the Emirates Stadium. The match will be aired on RTÉ 2 and TNT Sports 1.
Mikel Arteta has expressed that Arsenal’s desire to secure major titles is increasing as they head into the second part of their Champions League matchup with Porto, while being atop the Premier League. If they can overturn a 1-0 shortfall against the team from Portugal on Tuesday’s match, it would be the first time since 2010 that the Gunners make it into the final eight of the most prestigious club competition in Europe. Despite the draw between Liverpool and Manchester City on Sunday, Arsenal’s Premier League top position – attained through eight consecutive wins and a total of 33 goals – remains unthreatened before the international break.
“The feeling of being the leading team is fantastic. It was an incredible match – both teams played brilliantly and had various options,” said Arteta. “Considering the quality of these two teams, it’s quite a feat to be still leading the table. This makes us even more determined – we aim to maintain this position by focusing on each match.”
Despite their impressive run, a defeat in Portugal three weeks prior is the only blip in Arsenal’s performance since the year started. Gabriel Martinelli’s possible absence in the return leg at Emirates Stadium due to a foot injury suffered during training on Monday could be a setback. The injury came about during the 6-0 mauling of Sheffield United. Arteta is aware that they will need to up their performance to advance.
“We definitely have to adjust our game plans to create more chances. That’s the standard of the Champions League. We’re tasked with making it work. It will requires nothing short of exceptional performance from us. Understanding every opponent’s strengths, weaknesses and their style of play is crucial.
We’ve faced such challenges in the Premier League numerous times. We’ll simply concentrate on improving our own impact on the game. The crowd’s enthusiasm also plays a key role and we need that energy. We also need to keep our emotions in check. It’s a wonderful chance to experience one of those unforgettable nights.”
Martin Ødegaard, the skipper of Arsenal, maintains that the team has drawn on their lessons from the loss at Estádio do Dragao and their unsuccessful venture for the Premier League championship in the previous season. “The game was a topic of discussion afterwards,” relayed the team leader. “We failed to bring our A-game. Our engagement with the ball was below par. Almost instantly, we acknowledged the need to change our strategy. This has been our solo defeat so far this year, presenting more than enough encouragement to push further.”
Flourishing on the topic, Ødegaard expressed, “I can confidently say we have evolved to a superior team compared to last year. We’ve attained some influential transfers who’ve made a difference and the happenings of the previous season have served as an opportunity to bolster our stance this season. Undoubtedly, we have taken a bitter pill to swallow but anticipating the season finale, we hope to channel it beneficially.”
-Guardian.