Why Arsenal will send out a message by winning tonight

Porto/Arsenal, 7.45pm, Sky Sports Xtra, Best Odds, Free Bets

There is a feeling among many Arsenal fans that they are going to enjoy a season similar to that of Liverpool in 2004-05: out of the title race by the end of November but capable of beating anyone on their day and therefore, capable of winning the Champions League. And, unless either Juventus or Lyon score an unhealthy number of goals tonight, a win will see Arsenal lay down a marker by finishing as the best performers in this season’s group stage. Here are six reasons why they will achieve that accolade:

1. Porto have failed to score against Arsenal in their three Champions League meetings and Arsenal comfortably dispatched them 4-0 at the Emirates in September.

2. Arsenal average more goals away in the Champions League this season than they do at home, having managed three a game on the road compared to 1.67 at home.

3. The Gunners are unbeaten in ten games against foreign opposition, with their only European loss over the past twelve months coming against Liverpool in April.

4. Not since the 2001-02 have Arsenal lost their final group game in the first stage of the Champions League and on that occasion you could see it coming as they had lost their previous two away games.

5. Porto have conceded in all five of their Champions League games this season and considering they shipped as many goals against Arsenal as they did in the other four matches combined, that record looks like continuing today.

6. Arsenal have won both European games that Emmanuel Eboue has started this season. Click here for more information about how Arsene Wenger’s side perform better with the Ivorian in the team.

Click here to claim a free £10 bet with Betfair, who are offering a massive 3.7 on Arsenal winning tonight

Research produced by Danny Harris

Posted: December 10th, 2008 by Michael Lintorn |