The Short Fuse - All Postsit me, Jeffhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51365/tsf-fav.png2024-03-15T12:12:59-04:00http://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/rss/current/2024-03-15T12:12:59-04:002024-03-15T12:12:59-04:00Can Arsenal Women keep slim title hopes alive?
<figure>
<img alt="Arsenal Women Training Session" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iweT6oRDOpt36LBJgI8cjv0R2k8=/0x0:3107x2071/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73209739/2081388388.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Arsenal Women travel to Chelsea, and must not lose to keep the possibility of a title on. </p> <p id="OSjm79">Last week, after Arsenal Women blitzed <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com">Aston Villa</a> with four first half goals to seal a place in the Conti Cup final, Lia Wälti and then Jonas Eidevall referenced the men’s team, who of course had scored 5 first half goals against Sheffield United. “We watched the men’s game a couple of days ago and we all said we would like to be more comfortable at half time. We said we wanted to be on them from the start and run them over.” </p>
<p id="5D0k08">It was significant, because Arsenal have not had a lot of sharp first halves this season. Facing more deep blocks, Arsenal have struggled, often making games far more comfortable if not outright safe in the second half. There have, been, though, two games where Arsenal have had comfortable leads at half time. Both of those games, the 3-1 win against <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a> (3-0 at halftime) and the 4-1 win over Chelsea (3-1 at halftime) were at the Emirates, but also both were against top 3 rivals who Arsenal were able to counterpress and counter attack against effectively. As a result, Arsenal ended up with an xG of 3.0 in both games, the 2nd and 3rd highest of the season, with Arsenal only generating more xG in the win against <a href="https://fosseposse.sbnation.com">Leicester City</a>. </p>
<p id="UnNfER">Arsenal have not beaten Chelsea away from home since 2018-19, when in October Arsenal went to Kingsmeadow and won 5-0. It was a statement win in a season where Arsenal would win the title, losing only twice. Since then, Arsenal’s only positive result away from home against Chelsea is a 0-0 draw in the 2021-22 season. Arsenal lost in the league at Kingsmeadow towards the end of last season, and lost in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a>, and were handily beaten at Kingsmeadow twice by Chelsea in Montemurro’s final season. This season, though, Chelsea are hosting Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are playing more matches at Stamford Bridge, but undoubtedly prefer Kingsmeadow. </p>
<p id="xrgcpn">Arsenal enter the weekend three points behind Chelsea and <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a>, with a vastly inferior goal difference. To remain in the title race, Arsenal have to at least get a point, though given the inferior goal difference, and given that Arsenal have to go to Manchester City, while Chelsea have no games left against this season’s top 3, Arsenal could be in a position where realistically they have to win. Arsenal are in this position in part because of losses against <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>, <a href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com">Tottenham</a>, and West Ham, all games which Arsenal should’ve done better in, but the last away win at Kingsmeadow looms large. Since Jonas Eidevall has taken over at Arsenal, Arsenal generally do well in big games: Arsenal beat Chelsea and Manchester City at home in 2021-22, and have beaten Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City at home this season. But Arsenal have not won away at either City or Chelsea in some time. For Arsenal to win the league, they have to make that leap.</p>
<p id="uctlz3">The men’s team found itself in a similar position earlier this season. Arsenal lost the league last season because Arsenal lost twice to Manchester City. Arsenal beat Manchester City at the Emirates earlier this season. Arsenal then found themselves on the outside of the title race when Liverpool came to the Emirates in February; Arsenal won, convincingly, and put themselves right back in the title race. The men’s first team were able to win the games they had to, to make the leap into winning matches against title rivals. The women’s first team have been able to do so at home, but can they make the leap and win away? </p>
<p id="xxfIBJ">At the very least, Arsenal should have the team in better injury condition. Chelsea are without Sam Kerr and Millie Bright, and might be without Mayra Ramirez. Arsenal have almost all of their first choice lineup available, with Emily Fox and Cloé Lacasse, who could start, back from Gold Cup duty. Chelsea have a Champions League game next week, while Arsenal only have this, and the Conti Cup final at the end of March (against Chelsea) to focus on. In the final league match against Emma Hayes, it is within Arsenal’s hands to deliver a telling blow. </p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2024/3/15/24101385/arsenal-women-chelsea-wsl-titleAidan Gibson2024-03-15T08:09:23-04:002024-03-15T08:09:23-04:00Arsenal FC draw Bayern Munich in Champions League Quarterfinals
<figure>
<img alt="FBL-EUR-C1-DRAW" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/o75XDeIP7re0OdJZV_t1kxYnDTw=/0x0:8640x5760/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73209055/2079406315.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The more things change, the more they stay the same</p> <p id="FAYM6o">After punching their ticket to the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> quarterfinals for the first time in 14 years, <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com">Arsenal</a> find themselves facing a familiar foe on their quest to raise their first CL trophy, drawing Harry Kane-led Bundesliga giants <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> on Friday morning during the CL quarterfinal draw.</p>
<div id="Mng1pR">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="de" dir="ltr"> Arsenal vs Bayern <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> <a href="https://t.co/E2ulxGP4wt">pic.twitter.com/E2ulxGP4wt</a></p>— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1768595916838113613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="69wCRX">It feels like destiny, in a way, that Arsenal would draw Bayern. Arsenal’s Champions League fate has been intertwined with Die Roten, having faced them in the knockouts or later in 4 of their previous 5 CL runs, including their last appearance in 2017. After a 7 year hiatus, it only feels fitting that it’s them that stand between Arsenal and a spot at the semifinals. </p>
<p id="KhPdff">Unfortunately for Arsenal, the tie has been awfully one-sided. The two clubs have faced off 12 times with Bayern winning 7 of them. The last time the two sides faced off saw the infamous 10-2 aggregate scoreline with Bayern prevailing 5-1 in both legs. It was a bitter, ugly end to over two decades of CL qualification under Arsene Wenger, and a stark reminder of the growing gap between the Gunners and the rest of Europe’s elite sides.</p>
<p id="icOt9s">But if Arsenal want to be the best, they have to beat the best. Bayern, while not as strong as they historically have been this season, are still among the stronger sides in the world. Former <a href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com">Tottenham</a> man and Arsenal menace Harry Kane has found life in the Bundesliga fruitful, having scored 30 goals already in league play. They sit 2nd in the league table behind an unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen (the Granit Xhaka effect, baby) and ran through their CL group stage without breaking a sweat with 5 wins and 1 draw. In the knockouts, they lost the first leg away to Lazio before sweeping them aside at home 3-0. </p>
<p id="wd2nTt">It’s also only fair to point out that, despite the lopsided history between the two, this is not the same Arsenal of old. These Gunners bear little resemblance to those failed sides, which is a testament to both the players and manager Mikel Arteta, who has rebuilt Arsenal side that has taken off like a rocket over the last two seasons. The Gunners have gone from scrapping for a spot outside the top 4 to pushing <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> for a title in the four seasons under Arteta. They are young, they are exciting, they are strong across the pitch, and they are ready. </p>
<p id="OiDlxs">The ties are scheduled to have Arsenal host Bayern on April 9th between their matches away to Brighton and at home to Aston Villa, with the away leg on April 16th, ahead of a trip to face Wolverhampton. Interestingly, and perhaps beneficial for Arsenal, is the fact that Bayern away supporters are banned from attending the match at the Emirates after an incident during the Lazio tie that involved firecrackers being thrown on the pitch. </p>
<p id="TBMrI4">The rest of the draws also look to present viewers with some excellent matchups, with the marquee draw being Manchester City vs <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com">Real Madrid</a>, the winner of which Arsenal will face in the semifinals. </p>
<div id="prateZ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Quarter-finals confirmed ✅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLdraw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCLdraw</a> <a href="https://t.co/s7PpLFP0Bn">pic.twitter.com/s7PpLFP0Bn</a></p>— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1768597062612910577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="raNaU5">So, what are your thoughts? How do you think Arsenal will do? Which matchup are you looking forward to outside of Arsenal’s? Let us hear what you have to say in the comments!</p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2024/3/15/24101658/arsenal-draw-bayern-munich-in-champions-league-quarterfinals-mikel-arteta-harry-kane-bukayo-saka06N0LE2024-03-14T07:46:54-04:002024-03-14T07:46:54-04:00Ben White signs Arsenal extension
<figure>
<img alt="Ben White Signs A Contract Extension at Arsenal" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RaxjUkBXMkuAWwOLcf2QqUkI5UI=/0x89:3600x2489/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73206217/2083313796.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The versatile defender secures his future with the Gunners</p> <p id="XeUWfe">In the wake of <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com">Arsenal</a>’s nail-biting <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> knockout victory over FC Porto, the club gave the fans another huge win, announcing the contract extension of defender Ben White on Thursday morning. </p>
<div id="Bfwixb">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”</p>— Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1768235293553885377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="60zJ7f">Few players have enjoyed Arsenal’s dominant form in 2024 quite as much as White, whose performances have been among his best since joining the club in 2021. After a slow start to the season due to a nagging injury, the former Brighton and <a href="https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com">Leeds</a> man has been imperious on the right in the New Year. Between his mastery of the dark arts, his positional flexibility, his evolution as an inverted fullback, and his relentless work rate, he has become a nailed-on starter and a key cog in Mikel Arteta’s defense. </p>
<p id="xHtYO1">Few players are as anomalous as White. He excels at the sport while admittedly never really watching it. He is dominant while looking entirely disinterested. Perhaps most impressive is his mentality. He rarely cracks a smile but relishes the opportunity to unsettle his opponents as he has developed a truly elite level of mind games. His unflappable nature in the face of pressure has elevated the squad and has made him an irreplaceable part of the Arsenal defense as they make another Premier League title push and are set to make their first quarterfinal CL appearance in 14 years. </p>
<p id="lG9Cxu">White’s new 4-year deal extends his contract through the 2028 season with an optional 1-year extension. </p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2024/3/14/24100544/ben-white-signs-arsenal-extension-mikel-arteta-premier-league-champions-league06N0LE2024-03-13T09:00:00-04:002024-03-13T09:00:00-04:00Wednesday Cannon Fodder: a quiz, y’all
<figure>
<img alt="Arsenal FC v FC Porto: Round of 16 Second Leg - UEFA Champions League 2023/24" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JcOupxqLPRB_f7efyHhGWvMg0w0=/97x0:4479x2921/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73203464/2080739262.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="tvrAVy">Good Wednesday morning, TSFers. I’m still basking in the glow of Arsenal advancing on penalties past Porto. The Gunners are into the Quarterfinals of the Champions League and sitting top of the Premier League table mid-March. Regardless of where things stand at the end of May, we’ve got our Arsenal back. It’s tremendous.</p>
<p id="kFkZRD">I’m also enjoying a bit of banter online, especially with Liverpool supporters, who once again have tried to make something about Arsenal all about them. I asked them when their next Champions League fixture is. The answer is next season.</p>
<p id="oouKQd">I had some Chelsea supporters and United supporters running their mouths, too. But it’s tough to hear them from that far down the Premier League table. </p>
<p id="NITA2Y">Maybe one day these folks will learn, to take a page from the match recap comments yesterday, if you come at the king, you best not miss. These folks don’t understand that I’m an internet OG. They merely adopted the internet; I was born in it, molded by it.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="ARKO6m">
<p id="mIai7k">I know we haven’t done this quiz before, although we’ve done one that’s similar, if I remember correctly — <a href="https://www.sporcle.com/games/FPL_Elf/premier-league-club-name-suffixes---grid?t=soccer">Premier League Clubs, All-Time</a>. It does what it says on the tin. You have to name all the clubs that have played in the Premier League. Except this time, you get the club name suffix, i.e. City, Albion, etc.</p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2024/3/13/24099410/wednesday-cannon-fodder-a-quiz-yallAaron Lerner2024-03-12T19:18:33-04:002024-03-12T19:18:33-04:00Arsenal 1 - FC Porto 0 (4-2): survive and advance
<figure>
<img alt="Arsenal FC v FC Porto: Round of 16 Second Leg - UEFA Champions League 2023/24" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7oTWgncrR6_RbQuIHC178QZp7aA=/1x0:3000x1999/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73202634/2079335018.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>David Raya is a hero.</p> <p id="pRlZGs">It wasn’t pretty, but Arsenal did enough to advance against FC Porto. Martin Ødegaard set up Leandro Trossard in the first half for the critical goal to level the tie. David Raya came up with two massive saves in penalties. And that’s all she wrote. The Gunners are through to the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> Quarterfinals for the first time in 14 years.</p>
<p id="aK3qZ7">Porto, once again, were well set up, disciplined, and resolute. They made it difficult for Arsenal all night and amplified that frustration by diving and delaying at every opportunity. It’s a shame, really. Their anti-football antics detract from what was an excellent tactical display, exactly the type of play an underdog needs to advance in a knockout tie.</p>
<p id="nLAG0R">Martin Ødegaard was incredible tonight and dragged the Arsenal attack through the match. His quick feet and incisive passing set up the goal, with a nod to a well-placed finish from Leandro Trossard. Ødegaard also led by example, running himself ragged pressing and tracking back on defense. It was the kind of performance you need from your captain and one of your stars in a big match.</p>
<p id="WwwmId">On the other side of the ball, Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes, and David Raya were tremendous. Those three had such a calming, steadying effect on the game and the team. Gabriel’s passing was a bit off, but he more than made up for it with his physicality and anticipation. Jakub Kiwior has been a revelation since stepping in for Oleksandr Zinchenko with Takehiro Tomiyasu also sidelined. Kiwior was a pillar of strength at the back again.</p>
<p id="phYeGA">Kai Havertz deserves a nod as well. He was in the wars in the middle of the pitch, constantly harrying Porto and getting stuck in. He does so much dirty work that goes unnoticed and underappreciated. He thought he’d created the winning goal for Arsenal, pressuring Pepe and Diogo Costa into a collision and mistake, but Martin Ødegaard’s shot into the empty net was called back because the referee decided Havertz had committed a foul. The replay showed Havertz had a bit of Pepe’s shirt, but it was no more a grab than you see in every battle on the pitch. Several similar instances of clutching and grabbing, including Pepe on Ødegaard in the box about 10 minutes later, went unpunished. To make it worse, the grab had very little (or nothing) to do with Pepe and Costa colliding. They didn’t communicate, made a massive mistake, and were bailed out by a generous whistle. Arsenal should have won the match in regular time.</p>
<p id="LlTZRp">William Saliba looked a bit nervous and played conservatively after a first half yellow card. His composure and quality usually belie his age. Tonight, the bright lights may have been a bit much. He wasn’t bad, but he wasn’t his usual, dominant self.</p>
<p id="S9CuWM">Bukayo Saka had an off night, although some of the credit for that goes to Wendell, who defended him quite well. And when Saka did beat Wendell, he was permitted to grab him from behind without sanction. No thanks to the referee, who other than being consistently good in not getting conned by dives, had a pretty poor showing.</p>
<p id="S0Akod">In a way, Arsenal advancing despite Saka not being at his best shows the development of this team. There is plenty of talent elsewhere on the roster, especially compared to when Saka broke through and was a lone bright spot. When one guy isn’t going, the guys around him need to step up. That’s exactly what Ødegaard, Havertz, Rice, Gabriel, and Raya did.</p>
<p id="35PcTb">David Raya turned up massively in the penalty shootout, saving two attempts to win the match and see Arsenal through. He felt he should have had a third save — he got his fingertips to Marko Grujić’s attempt. Ødegaard, Havertz, Saka, and Rice all scored for Arsenal, who didn’t need their fifth taker.</p>
<p id="P8KsvP">With all the success (and the expectation that comes with it), you forget this is a young Arsenal team. For most, this was their first Champions League knockout tie. It showed, too. But they found a way to advance and will hopefully be a bit more relaxed when the Quarterfinals roll around next month.</p>
<p id="sw7hQB">Arsenal have nearly three weeks off to rest and recuperate (minus international duty, but it’s just friendlies), which is good because today’s match surely took it out of ‘em. Next up, <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> at the Etihad on March 31st.</p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2024/3/12/24099059/arsenal-fc-porto-champions-league-match-report-player-ratingsAaron Lerner2024-03-12T13:00:00-04:002024-03-12T13:00:00-04:00Arsenal vs. FC Porto: what’s past is prologue?
<figure>
<img alt="Arsenal v FC Porto - UEFA Champions League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VqHXcdY6GGXP_2LVMAB6duZkIYE=/0x73:810x613/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73201518/97587685.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Arsenal have it all to do at the Emirates.</p> <p id="i1dLQ6">Arsenal host FC Porto at the Emirates in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> on Tuesday evening. The Gunners are hoping to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit that came courtesy of a Galeno 94th minute wondergoal in Portugal. </p>
<p id="BKjnL8">The setup — Arsenal trailing on aggregate heading home to the Emirates — should be a familiar one. The same situation presented itself in 2010, coincidentally the last time the Gunners advanced in the knockout stages of the Champions League. On that March evening 14 years ago (with yours truly in attendance at the Emirates), the Gunners blew the doors off Porto, routing the visitors 5-0.</p>
<h2 id="u6ec1W"><strong>WHAT TO WATCH FOR</strong></h2>
<p id="7NswmL">Porto manager Sérgio Conceição had some strong words after his side’s 1-0 win in Portugal, saying of Arsenal, “they wanted to play, we wanted to win.” Most neutral observers of the match, and all Arsenal supporters, would take issue with that characterization. Porto took every opportunity to break up the match, going down at the slightest contact, and staying down to waste as much time as possible. They were successful. They prevented Arsenal from getting into a rhythm and the ball was in play for a pitifully short amount of time compared to other matches in the Champions League this season.</p>
<p id="I1J0Fb">They will undoubtedly try the same nonsense at the Emirates this evening, much like Brentford did at the weekend. Arsenal should be better prepared. Mikel Arteta’s side will need to keep their calm and stay patient in the face of frustrating, anti-football tactics.</p>
<p id="DSsegU">How much nonsense the referee permits will be a critical factor in the result. Hopefully the raucous home crowd that Mikel Arteta has begged his supporters to create, will put sufficient pressure on the ref to ensure we get a proper football match and not whatever that was in Portugal a few weeks ago.</p>
<h2 id="dTcKxb"><strong>KEY MATCHUP</strong></h2>
<p id="fLAxlS">Whoever plays on the Arsenal left wing — either Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Jesus — needs to have a big game. It might actually be to Arsenal’s benefit that Gabriel Martinelli is likely unable to play today due to the deep cut on his foot. Having a more technical, ball retaining player on the left should help the Gunners break down Porto’s mid and deep block.</p>
<p id="0lQS2E">Arsenal usually build on the right, and Porto were happy to devote multiple defenders to surrounding Bukayo Saka and closing down Martin Ødegaard. That leaves them light on the left. Quick switches of play, whether it be the long diagonal or rotating the ball swiftly around the back to the other side, will be important. And once the ball reaches whoever is out on the left, they’ll have a bit of time and space while Porto’s shape shifts over. They need to exploit that, drive at the defense, and make things uncomfortable.</p>
<p id="fxtimI">The left side of the attack would be significantly helped by Oleksandr Zinchenko, who coincidentally was featured on an Arsenal preview image on Twitter yesterday. I expect the now fit (how fit, who knows) Ukrainian to get the start over Jakub Kiwior. His probing, penetrative passing might be the difference-maker in giving the Gunners attacking threat down both flanks.</p>
<h2 id="4SNZou"><strong>TEAM NEWS</strong></h2>
<p id="mXLRSg">Arsenal welcomed Takehiro Tomiyasu back to training with the squad on Monday. That leaves Gabriel Martinelli, who suffered a deep cut on his foot against Sheffield United, and Jurrien Timber, who is still rehabbing from his torn ACL, as the only Arsenal absences. Arteta gave Martinelli a 1% chance of playing. The reporting said the Brazilian was set to miss out, and he hasn’t been included on Brazil’s roster for the upcoming friendlies. David Raya will return in goal.</p>
<p id="3uTURU">The biggest question on Porto’s side of things is whether Iranian international striker Mehdi Taremi will be fit. The reporting is mixed, but most seem to think he’ll miss out again. Defender Wendell picked up a thigh problem in the first leg but has already returned to the side. Ivan Marcano and Zaidu Sanusi are long-term absentees.</p>
<h2 id="zb7iKB"><strong>NUTS AND BOLTS</strong></h2>
<p id="fLdQjI"><em>Arsenal</em> - Raya, White, Gabriel, Saliba, Kiwior, Ødegaard, Jorginho, Rice, Saka, Havertz, Trossard</p>
<div id="ttltn8">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> ⚪️<br><br> Raya between the sticks<br> Saliba at the back<br> Havertz leads the line<br><br>Let's make it count, Gunners <a href="https://t.co/tjb6rvXTn7">pic.twitter.com/tjb6rvXTn7</a></p>— Arsenal (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1767627035222966331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="U8fZ53"><em>FC Porto</em> - Diogo Costa, Joao Mario, Pepe, Otavio, Wendell, Alan Varela, Nico, Pepe, Francisco C, Evanilson, Galeno</p>
<div id="tQqjuV">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> ⚪ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFCFCP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFCFCP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/NbiEfJv5Xm">pic.twitter.com/NbiEfJv5Xm</a></p>— FC Porto (@FCPorto) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCPorto/status/1767626668988875178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="5s2Wlb"><strong>WHAT:</strong> Arsenal vs FC Porto, Champions League Round of 16<br><strong>WHERE:</strong> The Emirates<br><strong>WHEN:</strong> Tuesday, March 12th, 1 pm PT | 4 pm ET | 8:00 pm BT<br><strong>HOW TO WATCH:</strong> Streaming on Paramount+</p>
<p id="Ta65xv">For all your international streaming needs, check <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/match/4856165/arsenal-vs-porto/"><strong>LiveSoccerTV.com</strong></a>. <strong>Please do not discuss or share links to illegal streams here</strong>.</p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2024/3/12/24098469/arsenal-fc-porto-game-time-tv-channels-how-to-watch-champions-league-online-streamingAaron Lerner2024-03-12T10:14:54-04:002024-03-12T10:14:54-04:00Tuesday Cannon Fodder: weekend recap
<figure>
<img alt="Liverpool FC v Manchester City - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rb4Hm-QV3oy6Ld4Ui3K20Bter08=/0x0:2882x1921/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73200868/2066580593.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p id="8Bi2JG">Good Tuesday morning, TSFers. As I’m sure you’re well aware, Arsenal host Porto at the Emirates in the second leg of their <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> tie. The Gunners have a 1-0 deficit to overturn. It’ll be quite disappointing if they don’t manage it. It’s Arsenal’s last match before <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> on March 31st, too. Don’t we all love international breaks?</p>
<p id="BJCQ0Q">To the weekend’s action.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="s7f2fF">
<p id="ZpkeXl"><a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com"><strong>Manchester United</strong></a><strong> 2 - </strong><a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com"><strong>Everton</strong></a><strong> 0</strong><br>Alejandro Garnacho won two penalties for United in the first half, converted by Bruno Fernandes then Marcus Rashford, and that was all she wrote. Everton haven’t won a Premier League match since mid-December.</p>
<p id="F1xQGp"><strong>Crystal Palace 1 - Luton Town 1</strong><br>Jean-Philippe Mateta scored from a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1lrNghFoZc">quality backheel flick</a>, but his marker was erased by a 96th minute Cauley Woodrow equalizer. That could be an important point for Luton. It moved them to within 3 points of Nottingham Forest for 17th place, and Luton have a game in hand.</p>
<p id="Y4jsn8"><strong>Bournemouth 2 - Sheffield United 2</strong><br>Dango Ouattara (74th) and Enes Unal (91st) pegged the Blades back. It feels as if that should be the final nail in Sheffield United’s coffin. The result probably didn’t change their odds to be relegated by much, but that’s because they were already at 99% or something.</p>
<p id="BlQSyY"><strong>Wolves 2 - Fulham 1</strong><br>Alex Iwobi’s 98th minute goal was too little, too late for Fulham. Pedro Neto left the match for Wolves with a hamstring injury. That young man cannot stay healthy. I’d pass on him for that reason if I were Arsenal.</p>
<p id="55NCyQ"><a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com"><strong>Aston Villa</strong></a><strong> 0 - </strong><a href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com"><strong>Tottenham</strong></a><strong> 4</strong><br>Villa captain John McGinn’s reckless, frustration tackle on Destiny Udogie midway through the second half a 2-0 down sealed Villa’s fate — just a terrible look from your leader. That frustration was probably brought on in part by James Maddison and Brennan Johnson scoring three minutes apart earlier in the frame. Son and Timo Werner scored in second half added time. Spurs have a game in hand over Villa and can overtake them for fourth with a win.</p>
<p id="1RmD78"><strong>West Ham 2 - Burnley 2</strong><br>Burnley took a 2-0 lead into halftime. David Datro Fofana <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUO8I9EGmEg">scored a worldie</a> and Dinos Mavropanos scored an own goal. Lucas Paqueta got one back just after halftime, and Danny Ings scored his first Premier League goal of the season in the 91st minute to split the points. Burnley, like Sheffield United, blew a 2-0 lead and are something like 99% to be relegated.</p>
<p id="nxxduF"><strong>Brighton 1 - Nottingham Forest 0</strong><br>I really don’t have much to say about this match. I doubt anybody outside of Brighton and Nottingham even knew that it was being played. Forest are very much in the danger zone for relegation. They escaped last season (to Arsenal’s chagrin). Will they do the same this year?</p>
<p id="ZupgEc"><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/"><strong>Liverpool</strong></a><strong> 1 - Manchester City 1</strong><br>The most important match of the weekend had the best result for Arsenal. Manchester City took a 1-0 lead into halftime courtesy of a John Stones goal from a clever corner routine that caught Liverpool napping. Alexis Mac Allister converted a penalty early in the second half after a Nathan Ake (who had a terrible match) backpass forced Ederson into taking down Darwin Nunez. Ederson picked up a thigh injury on the play and is questionable to face Arsenal at the end of the month. Liverpool dominated the second half but couldn’t find a goal. They thought they should have had a penalty at the death after Jeremy Doku caught Alexis with a high boot, but the VAR decided it was an inevitable coming together of players rather than a foul.</p>
<p id="TVSe0V"><strong>Chelsea 3 - </strong><a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com"><strong>Newcastle</strong></a><strong> 2</strong><br>Don’t let the scoreline fool you, this was not a good game of football, from a football standpoint. Both of these clubs have plenty of talent and had high expectations coming into this season, and they’re just not very good. In fact, they’re both less than the sum of their parts. Chelsea led 3-1 before a 90th minute Jacob Murphy goal made added time interesting.</p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2024/3/12/24098426/tuesday-cannon-fodder-weekend-recapAaron Lerner2024-03-11T16:00:00-04:002024-03-11T16:00:00-04:00Arsenal vs FC Porto Preview: None Bigger
<figure>
<img alt="Arsenal FC v Brentford FC - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Tk3W0cFFxmwp-ffB2qRd9l0dvFE=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73198994/2064212463.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>Arsenal host Porto for what their biggest match of the season to date</p> <p id="L0EdlD">Here we are, folks. On Tuesday, <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com">Arsenal</a> will take the pitch at the Emirates against FC Porto in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> knockout stage as the Gunners look to overturn a 1-0 result in the first leg and continue their quest to finally raise Europe’s most prestigious trophy. </p>
<p id="1qwPd3">To say that this match is important is to criminally undersell it. The scope and scale of this match is massive for the club, the fans, the players, and the manager. Arsenal’s return to the CL after a 7 year absence has been long overdue, and it would be shameful to see it end before it’s barely begun.</p>
<p id="2l1Bh9">Arsenal are the Premier League’s most in-form side, but are 90 minutes away from seeing all of their momentum dashed on the rocks ahead of an international break that precedes a potentially title-deciding clash at <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a>. There is so much more at stake than just a shot at a spot in the CL quarterfinals on Tuesday. </p>
<p id="pYssKu">The season could very well come down to this. </p>
<p id="XwOEKU">Here are five talking points ahead of Tuesday’s match:</p>
<h3 id="iI0l1H"><strong>Know the Enemy</strong></h3>
<p id="wgKRwh">Since their last-gasp win over Arsenal at home, FC Porto remain 3rd in the Liga Portugal table but have been unbeaten in league play, including a commanding 5-0 win over 2nd placed Benfica.</p>
<p id="yOwuaM">Much like Arsenal, they are a team in solid form. Unfortunately, that means they likely enter the contest with not only a 1-0 aggregate lead, but also an abundance of confidence and belief. They stifled Arsenal’s attack with relative ease once before, and you’d imagine the game plan will not change. </p>
<p id="RkZsst">Porto also look to be entering the contest in nearly-full health after missing striker Mehdi Taremi in the first leg, who is back to full training. </p>
<h3 id="0NdhBW"><strong>Know the (other) Enemy</strong></h3>
<p id="Yaf14O">I hate that refereeing appointments are a major talking point these days, but here we are. Ahead of Tuesday, it was announced that French referee Clement Turpin would be the head official at the Emirates. Turpin is, by all accounts, a highly-respected official who is considered among the best in Europe, having reffed the 2022 CL final, the 2021 Europa League final, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.</p>
<p id="Yz1gYg">Does any of that assuage fears over Porto’s penchant for throwing themselves to the ground at a feather’s touch? No, not really. But after the ref bought everything Porto sold last match at their ground, hopefully Arsenal will get a few benefits of the doubt at the Emirates from one of the game’s better refs.</p>
<h3 id="kEVvn8"><strong>Dress Rehearsal</strong></h3>
<p id="d6ZmvH">The last few Premier League matches at the Emirates saw Arsenal stage a dress rehearsal of sorts for Tuesday night. Against <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com">Newcastle</a> and Brentford, the prematch festivities were on a grand scale - pyrotechnics and tifos, scarves and chants, the whole kit and kaboodle. The pomp felt unnecessary considering the circumstances, but it was an important bit of match-day prep for the type of atmosphere Arsenal are hoping to cultivate for these matches. </p>
<p id="qr97EF">As Aaron mentioned in the post-match write-up, the match against Brentford presented another helpful bit of prep. The Bees were, for all intents and purposes, Porto Lite. They exhibited zero interest in playing the match, instead looking to gum up the works and upset Arsenal’s rhythm. In many ways, they succeeded - of the 105 minutes of match time, the ball was in play for a meager 49 minutes, one minute LESS than when Arsenal played at Porto two weeks ago. </p>
<p id="HOS5JA">Brentford copied the Porto playbook to a T, as they sat in a mid block, pressed like hell, and looked to catch Arsenal on the counter. They nearly succeeded if it weren’t for a few scintillating acrobatic Aaron Ramsdale saves in the second half, who made amends for his early howler that let Brentford equalize before the half. The main difference this time was that it was Arsenal scoring at the death to win the match, perhaps a positive omen ahead of Tuesday.</p>
<h3 id="jCjSpN"><strong>Super Mik Arteta</strong></h3>
<p id="9a0GOB">It may sound a tad hyperbolic, but Tuesday is potentially the most important match of Mikel Arteta’s managerial career to date. Arteta has recused himself of early criticisms with Arsenal’s ascendant performance in the PL the last two seasons, but it’s his track record in cup competitions that shine a glaring light on his shortcomings as a newcomer to managing a club at the highest level. </p>
<p id="JV5N28">Arsenal have struggled mightily in cup competitions under Arteta, a fact that is often glossed over by the 2020 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup">FA Cup</a> victory. Since that early success, though, it has been a string of repeated failures with Arsenal failing to make it past the round of 16 in any competition. Tuesday will be 4 days shy of a year since last season’s ignominious exit against Sporting CP at the Emirates in the Europa League, a match that saw William Saliba and Tahekiro Tomiyasu’s season’s end with injury, two major daggers to Arsenal’s PL chances as well. </p>
<p id="dn1ndp">Arteta has grown leaps and bounds as a manager. Rescuing the tie and seeing Arsenal to the next round could be the next major evolution of one of the game’s most promising young managers. </p>
<h3 id="GxqKre"><strong>Clean Bill of Health</strong></h3>
<p id="ySx6FR">For the first time in what feels like forever, Arsenal are at full strength with Gabriel Martinelli, whose minor foot injury sidelined him against Brentford, the only player who was not spotted in full training on Monday. The short-term nature of that injury means that Arteta has his full player complement at his disposal, a huge boost as the final third of the Premier League is set to begin at the end of the month. </p>
<p id="tDipmp">But therein lies the double-edged sword. The recent lineup has unequivocally been the most successful iteration this season with the Gunners having won their last 8 in the PL. When something works, you don’t often deviate from it, even if some of the selections were due to a lack of options. But against Porto last month, the lineup was left largely unchanged and failed to deal with the hosts’ anti-football tactics. </p>
<p id="Qp7DLf">Arteta now has major decisions to make, ones that could have season-defining ramifications. Does Gabriel Jesus return to the front to disrupt the Porto defense, or does he stay with a red-hot Kai Havertz? Does Kiwior remain at the left back, or does Olexander Zinchenko return to give the side more teeth in the buildup? In midfield, does he lean on Jorginho’s experience, or does he drop a more athletic Declan Rice into a deeper role to fortify the defense?</p>
<p id="J2alDz">Few lineup selections have mattered as much as this one. Can Arteta get it right with so much on the line?</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="qBiUmH">
<p id="DXBLKM">If history has anything to say about this tie, it’s that Arsenal <em>should</em> overturn it and see themselves to the next round. But Arteta’s history is less convincing, and Tuesday will be a major marker in his legacy as Arsenal manager. </p>
<p id="n9eD8a">The first leg of this tie was the quintessence of the fine margins of the beautiful game. Another few seconds, an inch closer to the post, another fingertip, and it ends in a draw, giving Tuesday’s match a far different complexion. But that’s how it breaks sometimes. All you can do is learn, grow, and move on.</p>
<p id="CvIijD">It’s time for Arsenal - and Mikel Arteta - to prove that they have. </p>
<p id="Xex2N9"><strong>WHAT:</strong> Arsenal vs FC Porto, Champions League Round of 16<br><strong>WHEN:</strong> Tuesday, March 12th, 4:00pm EST/1:00pm PST/8:00pm GMT<br><strong>WHERE:</strong> The Emirates Stadium, London<br><strong>HOW TO WATCH:</strong> Streaming on the Paramount+ app</p>
<p id="RzIjGn">For all your international streaming needs, check <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/match/4856165/arsenal-vs-porto/"><strong>LiveSoccerTV.com</strong></a>. <strong>Please do not discuss or share links to illegal streams here</strong>.</p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2024/3/11/24097220/arsenal-vs-fc-porto-preview-champions-league-match-threads-lineups-how-to-watch-predictions06N0LE