I know how to destroy Arsenal,I have done it before in our first leg game, today I will do it again, Their fans will even leave the Emirate for us before the final whistle’: Porto defender pepe sends strong Champions league message to Arsenal fans

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has responded to Porto coach Sergio Conceicao’s critique of Arsenal’s mentality following their Champions League loss, acknowledging Conceicao’s remarks as ‘strong words’. The Gunners suffered a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their round-of-16 clash in Portugal, with Galeno’s late goal securing the victory for Porto.

Arteta attributed Arsenal’s defeat to Porto’s defensive approach, noting their ‘low defensive block’ and apparent lack of attacking intent. In contrast, Conceicao disputed Arteta’s assessment, stating that Porto aimed to win the match, countering Arteta’s perception.

Ahead of Arsenal’s second-leg encounter with Porto, Arteta emphasized the gravity of Conceicao’s comments, highlighting the directness and impact of his words. When asked whether Conceicao’s remarks would spur his team on, Arteta stressed the intrinsic motivation derived from the upcoming challenge.

Meanwhile, Conceicao affirmed Porto’s intent to adopt an attacking approach at the Emirates Stadium, underscoring the difficulty of the task ahead while acknowledging the financial gulf between the clubs, particularly in European competitions. Despite Arsenal’s higher market value, Conceicao expressed confidence in Porto’s ability to compete and emphasized their determination to overcome the odds in the pivotal second leg.

As the action unfolds on the pitch, it becomes evident that both teams possess considerable quality, boasting skilled and technically adept squads among the 16 teams competing at this stage. It’s imperative for us to analyze our own team meticulously, carefully observing and understanding the capabilities of our opponents, who possess a multitude of strengths. They are a meticulously trained outfit, displaying a deep understanding of the game’s intricacies, both tactically and beyond.

Furthermore, their commendable level of aggression adds another dimension to their play, making them a well-rounded and formidable opponent, characterized by exceptional individual talents across the board. We approach this challenge with utmost respect, devoid of any apprehension or hesitation, as our primary objective is to engage in competitive play and emerge victorious.

Each match presents its own unique narrative, with Arsenal capable of implementing varied strategies based on the circumstances. There are always areas for improvement, whether it’s during halftime adjustments or in-game adaptations, necessitating the readiness of our players to respond effectively to evolving situations.

The tactical nuances of deploying different players, such as Gabriel Jesus or Havertz up front, or Trossard and Martinelli in alternative roles, underscore the diverse dynamics at play within the team. Similarly, the positioning of midfielders like Jorginho or Rice influences our approach, especially when partnered with Havertz or Odegaard in attacking positions.

Ultimately, our focus lies in identifying the areas where our opponents were unable to capitalize during the previous encounter at the Dragao stadium. It’s imperative for us to be defensively sound while maintaining a proactive stance, with a clear objective of threatening the opponent’s goal and delivering a positive response on the field.