Arsenal failed to register a shot on target against FC Porto on Wednesday night in the first-leg of their Champions League round of 16 fixtures.
It is the second time in the history of the elite European competition that the Gunners have failed to hit the target, with 2011 the last time it happened when they faced Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Porto manager Sergio Conceicao revealed after the 1-0 win over the visitors that they knew how dangerous Arsenal are when it comes to dead-ball situations as they have scored ten goals from them this term, and he ensured that his team trained on how to contain that threat in training.
“It was one of their strong points,” Conceicao replied when asked if Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were a concern for Porto full-backs.
“But we did very well in reaching the ball to the side corridors. In the connection inside we also conditioned them a lot in the action and we are talking about the first phase with Ben White on the inside, with Declan Rice.
“Then Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz in the midfield offering solutions. This was all prepared, seen. The corners, the set pieces – they have 10 goals in situations like these.
“They block the opposing goalkeepers, making fouls, and we looked at everything in detail.”
It is also the first time this season and the first time in two years that Arsenal had failed to register any attempt on target despite playing ten corners, having 65% ball possession and playing 494 passes. They managed just seven shots, created one big chance, and had an xG (expected goals) of 0.49. Having bagged 11 goals across their last two games heading to Portugal, Arsenal would have fancied their chances of leaving with a vital win ahead of the second-leg next month.
However, Porto defended with their lives and constantly frustrated the Gunners with their tactics, with their players falling down upon any slight touch from Arsenal players and getting fouls awarded as a result.
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