Mikel Arteta singles out Porto star for praise ahead of Arsenal clash

Mikel Arteta leads Arsenal into their first Champions League knockout tie since 2017 tonight against Porto (Picture: Getty)

Mikel Arteta has singled out Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa for praise ahead of Arsenal’s first Champions League knockout tie since 2017.

The Gunners qualified for the last 16 after sailing through the group stage, winning four of their six matches and scoring 16 goals in the process.

After a pre-Christmas wobble, Arteta’s men arrived in Portugal last night in confident mood after a run of five successive victories, culminating in last Saturday’s 5-0 romp against Burnley at Turf Moor.

Arsenal are likely to receive a sterner test of their European credentials this evening against a streetwise Porto outfit and will be wary of the fact they came a cropper last season against Portuguese opposition in the shape of Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League.

Goalkeeper Costa, who has been linked with a big-money move to Manchester United in the past, will be central to Porto’s hopes of progressing to the quarter finals.

The 24-year-old taunted Arsenal on Tuesday by claiming he knew of their weaknesses which he and his teammates are primed to exploit.

He said: ‘We expect a strong Arsenal and I can guarantee that we will do everything to not let Arsenal make a dent and for them to feel what FC Porto is,’ Costa said at a press conference on Tuesday.

Diogo Costa will be key to Porto’s hopes of beating Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

We are prepared for everything Arsenal can do, both offensively and defensively. Everyone has their weaknesses, they haven’t faced FC Porto yet and they will certainly have their difficulties.

‘It’s a very offensive team with some weaknesses that we will exploit to the fullest and we will do everything we can to come out with the victory.

‘They have weaknesses, of course I won’t say what they are, but I guarantee that we will do our best to win. If they are favorites they have to demonstrate it.’

Arsenal appear to have resolved their goalkeeping issues, meanwhile, with summer signing David Raya finally beginning to vindicate Arteta’s decision to demote Aaron Ramsdale, despite his impressive form last term.

Asked for his assessment of Porto’s No.1, however, Arteta said: ‘I’m not here to rate their players, but he’s very good for sure. He’s consistently been at that level for a few years.’

On the quality of Portuguese football in general, he added: ‘They are first of all very passionate, which is the first thing ingredient you have to know. Great coaches and great academies, among the best in Europe for sure, and it’s not a coincidence how many talents they develop and how successful they are in many leagues. It tells you the story about their culture and how they are raised. I’m a big fan of it.’ 

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