Arsenal fans fire warning to Arteta after getting Porto in Champions League draw

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Arsenal have been drawn against Porto in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Arsenal will consider this a fairly favourable draw. The north London club avoided having to face the likes of PSG, Napoli, and Inter Milan at this stage in the competition. 

Mikel Arteta’s side will undoubtedly be favourites heading into this tie. However, the Gunners will not be taking their opposition lightly. After all, they have come unstuck against Portuguese opponents in European competition in recent history.

In last season’s Europa League tournament, Arsenal crashed out in the round of 16 phase against Sporting.

Arsenal have a deeper squad this season, and have more experience of continental competition under their belt. However, they are also in the midst of a title race. Arteta will therefore have to perfectly judge how much he needs to rotate his starting XI between Premier League and Champions League fixtures to ensure his side are able to make positive progress in both competitions without burning his players out. 

Plenty of players in this Arsenal squad are taking part in the Champions League for the first time this season. The likes of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Ben White, and Gabriel Martinelli, amongst others, will be keen to show that they have what it takes to shine on this biggest of stages.

The Gunners made good, comfortable progress through the group stage of the tournament, and now need to build on that. 

Arsenal fans react to Champions League draw against Porto

Lots of Arsenal fans expect a tough challenge from Porto, though. Taking to X, one supporter said, “the way we win this game makes a statement to the rest of Europe that we are back! Not exactly an easy fixture but we should progress with some reasonable degree of comfort.”

Another fan sent out a warning to Arteta and the rest of the Arsenal fanbase against complacency, saying, “I better not see everyone getting excited and underestimating a team like we did with sporting.” Another said, “time to bring out our A-game in the last 16. Exciting matchup ahead.”

Other fans are confident that Arsenal will progress to the quarter finals. One stated, “a tough & good draw & surely we will get it to the Quarter Finals.” Another claimed, “I’m so happy with this ,Arsenal is ahead.” Another agreed, chipping in with, “Can’t complain with that.  Pretty favourable draw.”