Arsenal would be very contented with a draw in the first leg of their knockout tie vs Porto claims Rio Ferdinand
TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand criticized Arsenal’s underwhelming performance in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie against Porto.
The Premier League team struggled to create chances, failing to register a shot on target throughout the match.
Ferdinand highlighted the late sucker punch in the 94th minute, as Wenderson Galeno’s goal secured a 1-0 lead for the hosts to carry into the second leg at the Emirates.
Ferdinand’s blunt assessment of the tie
Rio Ferdinand remarked that Arsenal appeared “a shadow of themselves” in open play following Porto’s 1-0 lead in their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.
Notably, The Gunners had an uncharacteristically lackluster attacking performance, failing to register a shot on target for the first time in over two years.
Mikel Arteta’s team controlled possession in the first half, but they were fortunate not to concede when Galeno had two clear-cut chances from close range in the 21st minute.
Despite dominating possession, Arsenal faced a scare as Galeno capitalized on a defensive lapse, hitting the post in his first attempt before narrowly missing the follow-up in the 21st minute.
The second half mirrored the first, with the Gunners controlling possession but the hosts posing a more dangerous threat.
In the 94th minute, Galeno redeemed himself by curling in a shot from 25 yards, securing a crucial victory for Porto.
Rio Ferdinand noted that Arsenal managed the game adequately, but their inability to create significant chances and break down the opposition hurt them.
He highlighted the importance of creating opportunities at the top level of Champions League knockout football, emphasizing the need to go beyond teams and make goalkeepers work, suggesting that Arsenal fell short in this regard.
The outcome was unexpected considering Arsenal’s recent impressive form, winning five consecutive matches and scoring 21 goals.
Ferdinand heaps praise on Porto
Rio Ferdinand commended Porto for nullifying Arsenal’s attacking threat, describing them as difficult to play against and effective in every department.
He noted that in open play, Arsenal appeared a shadow of themselves compared to recent matches against West Ham and Burnley.
Ferdinand emphasized the stark contrast in the setting, transitioning from those games to the intense Champions League knockout stages against Porto.
Ferdinand praised Porto’s tactical approach, highlighting their success in restricting Arsenal’s options through the middle, forcing them to navigate around and relying on set-pieces as their primary route to goal.
He noted Arsenal’s lack of clinical finishing, pointing out that tactically, Porto got it right in a challenging Champions League setting.
