Mikel Arteta vows Arsenal has learnt a lesson from this defeat
The stats may make nervy reading after defeat at Porto in the Champions League last 16, but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta insists his side will “learn” before the second leg in north London.
The Gunners lost in stoppage time thanks to Galeno’s superb strike but Arteta remains confident Arsenal will prevail in the tie.
Arsenal have not reached the quarter-final stage since 2009-10 and have won the first leg in just one of their last 12 two-legged knockout ties in the competition (drawing two and losing nine). “We will learn from it. Now it is clear, it is half-time,” said Arteta.
“If you want to be in the quarter-finals you have to beat your opponent and that will be the purpose and the plan.”
Arsenal’s record signing Declan Rice is confident fans will see a different team next month at Emirates Stadium.
“I think it’s about keeping our heads. It’s hard to concede that leg,” he said.
“Knowing how we play at home, with our fans and energy, I think you’ll see a team on the front foot from the start and we’ll be looking to do that.
“It’s a real kick in the teeth because we’ve conceded late but we know what to do.”
Source: bbc.com
