Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal’s lack of experience has made it harder than ever for his side to win the Champions League.
The Gunners face Porto in their second Group G match today and Wenger knows a victory at the Emirates Stadium is essential because he can no longer guarantee success away from north London.
Wenger believes his young side are less likely to thrive in hostile territory because they are still learning how to control the tempo of matches.
That was clear in their opening group stage fixture when Dynamo Kiev rattled Arsenal sufficiently to earn a 1-1 draw in the Ukraine.
Wenger’s decision to pack his squad with promising prodigies rather than proven, world-class stars means Arsenal’s long-term future is brighter than almost any club in Europe.
But the present is shrouded in rather more doubt while those youngsters go through their growing pains — as Saturday’s shock 2-1 defeat against Hull proved all too clearly.
“The side we played against Dynamo Kiev was very young. Theo Walcott is 19, Alexandre Song is 21, Denilson is 20 and even Cesc Fabregas is only 21,” Wenger said.
That defeat against Hull was only Arsenal’s second loss in 60 matches at the Emirates and another against Portuguese champions Porto would leave Wenger’s side in danger of missing out on the knock-out stages.
With trips to Fenerbahce and Porto still to come, Wenger believes this is the toughest group he has faced in 12 years with Arsenal.
“This group is tougher than in previous years. It is definitely the most even group we have had because there are no easy games,” he said.
“That makes the match with Porto more important. We know in the Champions League you qualify with 10 points, so if we win our home games we are through,” he said.
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