Arsenal icon Martin Keown emphasized that Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Porto in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg was primarily due to the team’s tendency to concede possession too easily. 

Keown attributed the loss to a lack of experience, particularly in crucial moments during the match.

The decisive goal came from Galeno in the latter stages, granting the home side an advantage going into the second leg against the Premier League club.

Expressing his views on TNT Sports, Keown commented, “It was a sucker punch really. A professional performance, solid defense, but the issue arose when they gave the ball away cheaply, leading to Galeno’s exceptional goal.”

Keown went on to highlight the potential impact of the team’s relative inexperience in crucial European encounters, saying, “You can’t help but think that maybe experience has cost Arsenal a little bit. In a competition known for late goals, the young team is still learning in Europe, and I hope it doesn’t prove detrimental in the long run.”

Reflecting on the match, Keown observed, “Neither team created numerous opportunities, and it got a bit chaotic towards the end. I just think that it is inexperience.”

Arsenal will aim to overturn the deficit when they host Porto in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium next month.