Declan Rice and Thierry Henry both offered bullish responses when reflecting on Arsenal’s poor Champions League defeat at Porto.
The Gunners were beaten 1-0 in their last 16 first leg clash courtesy of a stoppage-time stunner from Galeno.
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Rice insists that the Arsenal squad won’t let the defeat get to themCredit: Getty
Arsenal failed to register a single shot on target during the clash and their performance was a stark contrast to recent weeks.
Mikel Arteta’s side have a torrid history in the last 16, with their last seven Champions League exits coming at this stage.
However, Rice has offered Arsenal fans cause for optimism ahead of the second leg as they look to overturn the deficit.
Speaking about the goal to TNT Sports, he said: “It’s so frustrating [to concede late on]. I think it was a whole mixture of plays to be honest, a couple of giveaways on the edge of our box.
“We were probably breaking forward and then they caught us again on the counter and he’s stuck one in the top corner which is obviously really, really disappointing.”
Despite defeat, spirits remain high in the Arsenal camp as he said: “We just said in there, we’re really positive as a group. We’ve had such a good start to 2024, we’re not going to let this get us down.
“We’ve got a big one Saturday [against Newcastle] and then we’ll readdress this game which obviously is a big one in two week’s time.”
Arsenal legend Henry remains calm ahead of the second leg too, with the former forward reminding everyone that there is still another game to play.
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Former Gunners Henry was asked if he felt sick, but he was quick to say noCredit: @CBSSportsGolazo X
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He exuded confidence, with Richards and Carragher loving itCredit: @CBSSportsGolazo X
CBS Sports Golazo presenter Kate Abdo asked if he felt sick, but he responded: “Roll the tape that I said last week and you’ll see.
“I don’t feel sick, there is a return leg, I’m relaxed.”
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Henry’s co-pundits Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards enjoyed the confidence as Arsenal prepare to offer a huge response.
The Gunners’ squad is filled with youth and inexperience in the competition but if Rice and Henry’s reactions are anything to go by, then hope is certainly not lost ahead of the second leg.
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