Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after the Champions League last 16 defeat to Porto at the Dragao Stadium. AFP
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after the Champions League last 16 defeat to Porto at the Dragao Stadium. AFP
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after the Champions League last 16 defeat to Porto at the Dragao Stadium. AFP
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after the Champions League last 16 defeat to Porto at the Dragao Stadium. AFP

Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal 'lacked aggression' after Champions League setback


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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his team lacked the cutting edge as Galeno's stoppage-time goal earned Porto a 1-0 win in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.

The Gunners were appearing in a first knockout match in Europe's top tier competition for seven years, but struggled to get past Porto's defence before Galeno's brilliance in the 94th minute.

The defeat ended Arsenal's eight-game unbeaten run against Portuguese opposition and leaves them with plenty to do in the return leg at home on March 12.

"We lacked threat. We lacked aggression, especially when we had the ball in the final third," Arteta told TNT Sports. "So we will tweak a few things to attack better. We can do better."

"Obviously I am very disappointed the way we gave the game away at the end," he added.

"Not managing that situation well enough. You get punished in the Champions League. If you cannot win it, you don't lose it.

"We really dominated the game but we lacked purpose, especially in the first half. You need to have much more aggression, you need to break lines, to play forward and generate much more threat on that backline.

"We will learn from it. Now it is clear, it is half-time. If you want to be in the quarter-finals you have to beat your opponent and that will be the purpose and the plan."

Asked if his team were naive to fall to defeat in such a way, Arteta added: "Well it's only the last ball, so if in 94 minutes they haven't had any naivety other than that one.

"I think it's a bit cruel to judge it. But it's true that it has had a big impact on the result. A lot of other things they did for the first time here were very good. When you give the ball away three times in that area - you cannot do it."

Arsenal last made it to the Champions League quarter-finals in 2010, when they beat Porto in the last 16.

"I think it's a team that's very well-organised defensively and they break your rhythm all the time," said Arteta.

"We want to be in the quarter-finals, you have to beat your opponent and this is what we have to do at the Emirates."

Arsenal failed to register a single shot on target as their recent goal spree came to a shuddering halt.

Napoli defender Olivera and teammate forward Victor Osimhen vie for the ball against Barcelona in their Champions League match. EPA
Napoli defender Olivera and teammate forward Victor Osimhen vie for the ball against Barcelona in their Champions League match. EPA

Meanwhile, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez said he was satisfied with the point from their 1-1 draw with Napoli in their Champions League last-16 match but he could not help feeling the first leg tie had been there for the taking.

Barca spurned several opportunities to score before Robert Lewandowski netted the opener in the 60th minute. But they failed to add to their tally and were pegged back when Victor Osimhen equalised from Napoli's only shot on target 15 minutes later.

"I think we had a great match, both offensively and defensively," Xavi told reporters.

"The team did some things to deserve to win, but this is the Champions League.

"But I leave here satisfied. Satisfied, but a bit bitter because from my point of view, we could have won."

Barcelona host Napoli, last year's Serie A champions, in the return leg on March 12. They return to La Liga action on Saturday with the visit of Getafe.

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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Men:

 1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13 

2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50 

3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25 

4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46 

5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48  

Women:

1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30 

2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01 

3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30 

4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43 

5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01  

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Squid Game season two

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450,000

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73

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Speed: 0-100kph in 6.2sec 

Top speed: 232kph 

Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km 

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Price: From Dh259,900  

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Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm

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Updated: February 22, 2024, 6:49 AM