Did Porto's Costa predict Arsenal’s defeat with mysterious ‘weakness’ comment?

787     0
Costa also challenged Arsenal before Porto beat them on Tuesday evening
Costa also challenged Arsenal before Porto beat them on Tuesday evening

PORTO keeper Diogo Costa hinted he knew about Arsenal's "weaknesses" before their win in the Champions League.

The Portuguese side claimed a dramatic 1-0 victory over the Gunners in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday evening as Galeno struck a 94th-minute winner.

Porto keeper Diogo Costa told Arsenal they would 'exploit' their 'weaknesses' eiqrtithiktprw
Porto keeper Diogo Costa told Arsenal they would 'exploit' their 'weaknesses'Credit: EPA
Galeno scored a stoppage-time winner to hand Porto a first-leg advantage
Galeno scored a stoppage-time winner to hand Porto a first-leg advantageCredit: AFP

The defeat will come as a shock for Mikel Arteta's men - who went into the clash on a five-game winning streak.

But the result will not be a surprise to Porto shot-stopper Costa, 24, who mysteriously spoke about Arsenal's "weaknesses" in the lead-up to the game.

Fans say the same thing as Scott Parker earns shock move to Champions LeagueFans say the same thing as Scott Parker earns shock move to Champions League

During his pre-match press conference, the keeper said: "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 favourites they have to demonstrate it."

Costa did not face a single shot on target from Arsenal on Tuesday night.

HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL

But Arteta's side will still be favourites to progress through to the quarter-finals.

The second leg will take place at the Emirates on March 12.

Arsenal have not been in the Champions League knockout stages since the 2016/17 campaign.

Liverpool coach admits seeking Virgil van Dijk solution that "never happened"Liverpool coach admits seeking Virgil van Dijk solution that "never happened"

And they have not reached a quarter-final since the 2009/10 season when they were beaten 6-3 on aggregate by Barcelona.

ARSENAL NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all the latest transfer news from the Emirates

Dylan Terry

Portugal, Porto, Arsenal, Champions League, Diogo Costa

Read more similar news:

02.01.2023, 13:59 • Sport
From World Champs to feeble also-rans... nose-diving Chelsea face crunch week
02.01.2023, 20:13 • Sport
Liverpool player ratings as dreadful Reds duo score 4/10 in Brentford loss
02.01.2023, 18:57 • Sport
Ronaldo ‘has shock clause in Al-Nassr contract allowing him to join Newcastle'
02.01.2023, 22:15 • Sport
Cristiano Ronaldo's 'Newcastle clause' in Al-Nassr contract comes to light
02.01.2023, 22:30 • Sport
Spurs fans slam Levy but he's built world-class stadium and hired an elite boss
03.01.2023, 10:09 • Sport
Eddie Howe's comments on signing Cristiano Ronaldo as 'Newcastle clause' emerges
03.01.2023, 11:07 • Sport
Jamie Carragher claims mistake made by Jurgen Klopp is impacting Virgil van Dijk
03.01.2023, 11:51 • Sport
Cristiano Ronaldo has already made huge impact on Al-Nassr before kicking a ball
03.01.2023, 13:07 • Sport
Xavi sends Man Utd message after claims Frenkie de Jong wants to join Red Devils
03.01.2023, 15:53 • Sport
Ronaldo 'hires new manager' after snubbing Jorge Mendes in £26m commission deal