Mikel Arteta was not kind to FC Porto after Arsenal’s defeat in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League last night (1-0). Thus, the Arsenal manager regretted the lack of imagination of his team to succeed in beating the Porto block, but he did not fail to tackle the Portuguese team. Because Arteta felt that Porto was “a team that has no intention of playing”. The Gunners coach had strong words about the Dragons, knowing that his team will have to put out a big match at the Emirates Stadium on the return leg in order to validate their ticket to the quarter-finals.

Arteta criticizes Porto

The Gunners did not have a single shot on target and they finally lost on the Porto field (1-0) with a magnificent goal from Galeno in added time (90th + 4). Obviously, the scenario was frustrating for Arteta, who had strong words after the match. “We are very used to playing against these defensive blocks, especially in the first half we missed certain things. We will learn from it and be better in the second leg. The best thing about our team was the attitude. We wanted to play. We didn’t lack aggression. Faced with such a low block and a team that has no intention of playing, this is what we have to do“, confided the Gunners coach, critical of the Portuguese team who however took an option before returning to London.