After a disappointing midweek Champions League loss to FC Porto, Arsenal silenced doubters in the Portuguese press with a resounding 4-1 Premier League victory over Newcastle United.

Portuguese media may have expected a rattled Arsenal squad after their Champions League loss to FC Porto, but the Gunners emphatically proved them wrong with a 4-1 demolition of Newcastle United on Saturday.

A dominant display and resounding victory suggest Mikel Arteta‘s men are “not in the least shaken” by their midweek setback.

The Portuguese publication ‘A Bola’ noted that “it was expected that this Saturday’s challenge would be particularly difficult for Arsenal” after the London side’s Champions League defeat. However, Arsenal defied expectations and imposed their high-energy game plan from the opening whistle.

Despite Loris Karius‘ return to the Premier League after six years away, he was powerless to prevent Sven Botman‘s own goal after a Gabriel Magalhães header put Arsenal ahead.

Kai Havertz doubled the lead soon after, with Jorginho expertly finding Gabriel Martinelli to assist the German’s finish. Arsenal‘s relentless pressure ensured they went into the break with a commanding two-goal advantage.

Newcastle showed signs of life in the second half, but Arsenal remained firmly in control. Bukayo Saka‘s individual brilliance led to a third goal as they continued to outplay their opponents.

Jakub Kiwior‘s header from a corner sealed the rout. While a late Joe Willock consolation goal against his former club somewhat softened the scoreline for Newcastle, the damage had long been done.

‘A Bola’ conceded, “The Gunners didn’t take their foot off the accelerator and Newcastle were in no way able to play”. They acknowledged Arsenal‘s dominance in the match, further emphasising how Mikel Arteta‘s side had decisively moved on from the Champions League disappointment.

“It seems that the defeat at Estádio do Dragão has already been overcome by Arsenal,” A Bola stated. “The Gunners did not appear to be in the least shaken and, in response, beat Newcastle, at home, 4-1”.

Can Arsenal overturn their defeat against Porto in the Champions League second leg?

Arsenal and FC Porto‘s Champions League history is marked by a tense balance of power. With three wins for each side, one draw, and the recent 1-0 defeat in the first leg, the upcoming second leg promises a thrilling battle.

However, past results reveal a pattern of predictable outcomes.

In 2006, Arsenal secured a victory at home followed by a stalemate in the away fixture. The 2008/09 season saw Arsenal dominate with a 4-0 home win before falling 2-0 away. More recently, in 2010, Porto held the advantage with a 2-1 victory at home, but Arsenal emphatically turned the tables in the return leg with a stunning 5-0 win.

In short, Arsenal tend to lose or draw away at Porto and smash them at home.

The current 1-0 scoreline in Porto’s favour leaves the tie delicately poised but Arsenal still remain favourites, particularly with no away goals in the competition.

What were away goals in the Champions League?

The away goals rule was a tiebreaker used in two-legged knockout matches in the Champions League and other European competitions.

Here’s how it worked:

• Two legs: Teams played each other twice, once at home and once away.
• Aggregate score: The total score across both matches determined the winner.
• Tiebreaker: If the aggregate score was tied, the team who scored more goals away from home would advance.

Examples of away goals being bad for Arsenal

Here are a few instances where the away goals rule played a crucial role in Arsenal’s Champions League campaigns:

• 2012/13 vs. Bayern Munich (Round of 16): Arsenal lost the first leg away 3-1 but pulled off a surprise 2-0 victory at home. Unfortunately, Bayern Munich advanced on away goals despite the aggregate score being 3-3.
• 2015/16 vs. Monaco (Round of 16): Arsenal suffered a 3-1 loss in the first leg at home. While they won away 2-0, the away goals rule worked against them, leading to their elimination.

The away goals rule was abolished by UEFA starting in the 2021/22 season. Knockout ties that end in a draw after two legs now go to extra time and potentially a penalty shootout, regardless of away goals scored.