Porto defeat leaves Gunners as runners-up
Wenger's side failed to trouble Porto in their final group game
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Wednesday, 10, Dec 2008 10:48
Arsenal have finished as runners-up in their Champions League qualifying group following a 2-0 defeat away to Porto.
The defeat means the Gunners will now face a side that finished top of their qualifying group which could mean a tie against Juventus, Bayern Munich or in form Barcelona in the last 16.
Having already assured themselves of qualification manager Arsene Wenger chose to rest some of his key players to give his younger players some European experience.
Wenger also included Emmanuel Eboue who had been booed by his own fans during their match with Wigan on Saturday.
The Gunners struggled to create much in the final third, although they passed the ball well in the opening period of the match.
Their best chance fell to Welsh youngster Aaron Ramsey but his drive from the edge of the box was saved by Porto goalkeeper Helton.
Porto gradually asserted themselves on Arsenal, Lisandro Lopez was the first to test Manuel Almunia before Raul Meireles fizzed a shot just wide of the post.
After 40 minutes Porto took the lead when Abou Diaby left Bruno Alves unmarked at a corner and he made no mistake with a header that beat Almunia.
The Gunners fell further behind eight minutes after the interval. The visitors' slick passing from the opening half began to desert them and their sloppy play handed Lopez the chance to score.
Fernando played the Argentinean through and although he appeared offside replays confirmed the hapless Eboue was playing him onside.
Arsenal failed to build up enough possession in the second half to seriously threaten Porto's lead. If anything it was the home side who looked more likely to add to the scoresheet.
Cristian Rodriguez twice had the chance to add a third goal but shot wide both times, once from the left then moments later from the right, as Wenger's side were let off the hook.
Arsenal's only hope of a straightforward tie will be if they draw group B winners Panathinaikos in the final 16, otherwise they will face one of Europe's top sides in the first knock out stage of the competition.