‘Arteta is destroying the team I worked so hard to establish; otherwise, how can you bench a world-class player for someone who isn’t even supposed to be playing for Burnley? This is not the legacy I left behind’: Arsene Wenger advises Arteta to sit the £70 million player against Newcastle if he truly wants to win his respect.

In the Champions League Round of 16 first leg clash between Arsenal and Porto, Arsenal entered the match as clear favorites, riding high on their impressive Premier League form. Despite neither team being particularly strong, Arsenal failed to launch any significant attacks, resulting in a lackluster performance. Despite only having 35% possession, the home team had better chances, with Wenderson Galeno missing a crucial opportunity in the first half, only to redeem himself with a stunning 94th-minute goal.

While the setback isn’t fatal to Arsenal’s European aspirations, it does present a hurdle. Among the disappointing performances, two players stood out for their ineffectiveness. Bukayo Saka, usually reliable, had a lackluster showing, failing to bolster his claim for ‘world-class’ status. Simon Collings of The Standard gave Saka a modest rating of 5/10, noting his minimal impact on the game and lack of final product.

Similarly, Gabriel Martinelli struggled to make an impression from the left side, contrasting with his recent performance against Burnley. Against Porto, he was nearly invisible, and when he did have possession, he failed to make meaningful contributions. Collings also awarded Martinelli a 5/10, highlighting his quiet presence throughout the game.

Despite receiving identical ratings, Martinelli’s performance raised more concerns than Saka’s, indicating a deeper struggle to make an impact. Arsenal’s underwhelming showing against Porto serves as a reminder that consistency is key, especially in high-stakes European competitions. Moving forward, Arteta’s side will need to regroup and rediscover their form to overcome this setback and advance in the Champions League.