Arsenal just did something no other team has done in the Champions League this season

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Arsenal became the first team to manage one unwanted feat in the Champions League this season.

Arsenal struggled to get into any kind of rhythm as they took on Porto on Wednesday evening.

This was partially due to the fact that the game was so regularly broken up by the sound of the referee’s whistle. The man in the middle, Serdar Gözübüyük, was certainly in no mood to let the match flow.

Of course, this is not the only reason why Mikel Arteta’s side slumped to a 1-0 defeat at the Estadio do Dragao. Their performance was generally below par. Gabriel Martinelli had a tough time in particular. Meanwhile, Arsenal fans felt that David Raya was at fault for the late goal that the north London club conceded. 

On many occasions, though, when they did try to get forward, they found their momentum halted by the referee. Porto were worthy of their win, but they used every trick in the book to unsettle the Gunners’ attacking play, including hitting the deck at any hint of contact. All too often, the officials sided with the hosts in these instances. 

Porto’s approach was particularly obvious in set-piece situations. As Arsenal players jostled for position in the box, in anticipation of the delivery coming in, their opponents were going down under minimal pressure and appealing wildly to the referee.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, as quoted by the club’s official website, Arsenal boss Arteta flagged up this issue himself, stating, “every time we were touching somebody, it seemed to be a foul before we even kicked the ball. So, we will learn from that and be better.”

Referee takes historically strict approach during Arsenal v Porto clash

The numbers tell the full story of Gözübüyük’s strict, uncompromising approach. As reported by journalist James Benge, writing on X, Arsenal were penalised for committing 22 fouls against Porto. No other side has committed more fouls in a Champions League match since December 2021.

Declan Rice, Jakub Kiwior, and Kai Havertz all also picked up bookings in the game.

The Gunners will be desperately hoping for a more lenient approach from the officials when the two teams meet once against for the second-leg of this round of 16 tie at the Emirates Stadium on March 12th.

Far more important than any influence the referee might have on that match, though, is that Arsenal improve their own performance in the second-leg. The Gunners will have to be far, far better than they were last night if they are stand any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.