Arsenal beat Porto 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw on aggregate over the two legs of the Champions League round of 16 matchup. This is the first time that the Gunners have advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League since 2010. You can get an Arsenal youth jersey for your child to commemorate this occasion. It was a difficult second leg for Arsenal against a disciplined Porto team. Let’s dive deeper into this victory.
Arsenal 2024 Match 37: Porto Only Had Three Shots on Target in the Second Leg
The Gunners’ defense held up well overall in the second leg against Porto, keeping a clean sheet. Porto only had three shots on target in the entire second leg. The second leg went to extra time due to the 1-1 aggregate score. David Raya made three good saves in the first 120 minutes of the game. Raya then followed that up by making two great saves in the penalty shootout to knock out Porto.
Raya is the Man of the Match in this game against Porto.
Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba were quite good overall, as per usual. Ben White also shut down Porto’s attacks down his side of the field, as well. However, Jakub Kiwior was the standout player from Arsenal’s back four. Kiwior was flawless in defense and helped the Gunners’ attack at times, as well.
It is fantastic to see Kiwior step up to the challenge in such an important game. Kiwior continues to cement his place as Arsenal’s starting left-back this season. Zinchenko will have to play incredibly well to dislodge Kiwior from the Gunners’ starting eleven.
Arsenal’s Midfield Dominated Possession and Odegaard Provided a Crucial Assist
The Gunners’ midfield played pretty well in this game overall. Arsenal had 58% possession in this game. However, Porto did well to prevent Arsenal’s midfield from creating many good chances. It is worth noting that Porto was the second-best defensive team in the Champions League through the round of 16, behind only Arsenal themselves.
Martin Odegaard had an excellent performance worthy of Arsenal’s captain. Odegaard pressed effectively for 120 minutes. He also provided an outstanding assist for Trossard’s goal. Martin Odegaard is another player worthy of Man of the Match consideration, although Raya won the official Man of the Match award instead. Odegaard also scored Arsenal’s first penalty in the penalty shootout and set the tone for the rest of the team.
Declan Rice battled hard in the midfield, as usual. Rice ensured that Porto did not have too many good chances. Rice’s ability to shield Arsenal’s midfield so effectively is evidence that he is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world at present. Additionally, Rice took his penalty well, giving Raya the opportunity to knock out Porto by saving the following penalty.
Jorginho had a good game, as well. He made some excellent passes and helped Arsenal control large stretches of the game. Jorginho continues to be a useful midfield option for the Gunners.
Trossard Had The Biggest Moment for Arsenal’s Attack
Kai Havertz deserves praise for his performance, battling all game long and causing Porto problems with his physicality. Havertz definitely made a difference in this game. Havertz also scored his penalty well in the shootout, calmly slotting the ball into the corner as per usual.
Despite this, Leandro Trossard was the one to score the goal that Arsenal desperately needed to eventually take the game to penalties. Trossard scored clinically once again following a brilliant assist from Martin Odegaard. It is unsurprising that Trossard came up with another crucial goal for Arsenal, since he has done exactly that on more than a few occasions.
Bukayo Saka was a bit quiet in this game. Porto dealt with Saka fairly well. Given Porto’s defensive prowess, this is not cause for concern. Saka did score his penalty calmly in the penalty shootout, though. Saka will likely return to his best and make an impact when Arsenal visit the Etihad upon their return from the international break.
Arsenal 2024 Match 37: Arsenal Will Face Bayern Munich in the Champions League Quarterfinals
The Champions League quarterfinal draw pits the Gunners against the German giants Bayern Munich. Arsenal could have had an easier draw against Dortmund. That being said, despite Arsenal’s poor record against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, this is a winnable matchup for the Gunners.
Bayern Munich have been far from their usual dominance in the Bundesliga this season, currently 10 points behind unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga title race. Additionally, Bayern Munich’s defense isn’t particularly impressive, as seen in their 4-3 group stage victory against a fairly mediocre Manchester United team.
With key Arsenal players returning to fitness, the Gunners can knock out Bayern Munich. The first leg is also at the Emirates and Bayern Munich fans are banned from attending that game. if Arsenal can take advantage of hosting the first leg by winning comfortably, they can head into Munich with full confidence that they can advance to the Champions League semifinals.
Ben White Signed a New Arsenal Contract
Ben White signing a new Arsenal contract is yet more good news for the club. White is one of the club’s most important players and tying him down to a new contract was essential. White’s new contract keeps him with Arsenal until at leas 2028, with an option for a further season after that. It is great to see Arsenal ensure that they keep the team’s core together long-term.
8.5/10 Manager Rating for Arteta
Arteta receives an 8.5/10 manager rating for the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Porto. Arsenal defended quite well, managed to score, and dominated possession in this game. Additionally, the Gunners held their nerve in the penalty shootout, scoring all four of their penalties.
Arsenal 2024 Match 37: Arsenal Face Manchester City in Title Race Showdown Next
The Gunners can enjoy a few weeks of rest following their marathon of a second leg against Porto. After that, Arsenal travels to the Etihad for a critical showdown with Manchester City. That game will have significant implications for the Premier League title race. Hopefully, Arsenal can at least manage a draw, if not pull out a win in that game.
Check back next week for more Arsenal content.