Slow march to last 16 for uninspired Gunners

ARSENAL successfully negotiated a potentially fraught trip to Porto but endured a few heart-stopping moments before clinching their place in the Champions League knockout stages.

The Gunners had already faced one “moment of truth” this season according to their boss Arsene Wenger in the build up-to last week’s 2-1 loss to Fulham, and last night’s critical Group G showdown was another.

But while neither side initially appeared in a hurry to climb out of first gear at the Estadio do Dragao – a point would have seen them both qualify for the last 16 – Porto cranked up the tension after the interval.