Tue. Nov 5th, 2024
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Arsenal 1-0 Porto

46. Neither side has made any changes in the break.

All to play for in this tie, the visitors need at least a goal here.

Porto start on the front foot, looking to test the hosts’ defence.

Kick-off: Arsenal 1-0 Porto

We are back underway at The Emirates.

Arsenal need more of the same to make the quarter-finals.

The Gunners get the second half started.

HT: Arsenal 1-0 Porto

This is going to be a massive second half for both teams.

You feel that the second goal is crucial and if The Gunners can get it, Porto will have to throw caution to the wind.

That could open this game right up.

View from SunSport’s Jordan Davies at The Emirates

What a difference a goal makes, and what a different outlook Arsenal and Mikel Arteta will have on this tie now.

Leandro Trossard was having a rather forgettable first half – as were the Gunners in all fairness – before popping up on the left and executing a neat one-two with Martin Odegaard.

The pass from Odegaard was exquisite, perfectly weighted, and the finish from Trossard was just as brilliant and composed when the pressure was really telling for the hosts.

Arteta screamed “VAMOS” and sprinted around his technical area, while Porto already look a bit deflated, so close to holding out Arsenal until half-time, which would have been huge.

The Arsenal boss will surely be getting into his players at the break now, urging them not to sit back and go for the kill. Another goal and Porto will be forced to change tact, which is really not their style, especially away from home.

HT: Arsenal 1-0 Porto

Arsenal are just edging the game in all aspects.

This Porto side are proving tough to break down but will have to come out of their shell more in the second half.

For Mikel Arteta’s side, they just need to catch the visitors on the break.

HT: Arsenal 1-0 Porto

The referee brings the first half to a close.

It has been an entertaining affair but Arsenal have the all important goal.

No doubt both managers will have plenty to say to their players during the break.

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