Mikel Arteta’s side were quite unrecognisable in Portugal, there was little sign of the team that have been cruising in the Premier League of late.
FC Porto v Arsenal FC: Round of 16 First Leg - UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images
Leandro Trossard was isolated up top, and the likes of Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka struggled to have their usual influence.
However, for a long period it did seem as if Arsenal would extract a reasonable result, heading back to North London on a level playing field.
But, perhaps deservedly so, Arteta’s side suffered late heartache, and now have it all to do in the second leg.
Incidentally, Jamie Carragher was providing Champions League coverage for CBS Sports last night.
And whilst assessing Arsenal’s shock late loss to Porto, Carragher did share his verdict on the English side’s chances of qualifying.
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The second leg will take place on March 12, and Carragher thought the atmosphere at the Emirates could make a big difference.
Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal can score a lot of goals against Porto in the second leg
Carragher was fairly convinced that Arteta’s side could overcome the deficit, suggesting that Arsenal could win the tie two or three nil.
He said: “I think Arsenal have enough. There will be a great atmosphere there. I think they will get two or three goals and it will get them through.”
FC Porto v Arsenal FC: Round of 16 First Leg - UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Of course, it is going to be a nervy night for Arsenal, but at this stage of their trajectory, they are surely well-equipped to cope with the pressure.
Perhaps the returns of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus will help, players who could easily be ready for the second leg.
And at full strength, many will probably agree with Carragher’s suggestion that Arsenal can blow Porto away at home.
All that being said, Thierry Henry was also casting an eye over the Champions League action last night.
And the Arsenal legend was left convinced that a certain Arsenal target now needed to leave his club.
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