Lord Bendtner Champions League Arsenal

Nicklas ‘Lord’ Bendtner bags a hat-trick against Porto. Image: Eurosport

Can you name the Arsenal starting XI that produced an epic Champions League comeback vs Porto in 2010?

Do you recognise these Arsenal names from 2010?

Lord Bendtner Champions League Arsenal

Nicklas ‘Lord’ Bendtner bags a hat-trick against Porto. Image: Eurosport

Arsenal face Porto in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit. They did it in 2010 with THIS team.


Arsenal class of 2010 thumped Porto to reach Champions League quarters

On March 9th 2010, almost exactly 14 years ago, Arsenal booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 6-3 aggregate win over Porto. The Gunners lost the first leg in Portugal 2-1, but a resounding 5-0 win at Emirates Stadium sent Arsene Wenger’s men through. Indeed, that was the last time Arsenal reached the final eight of the competition. Nicklas ‘Lord’ Bendtner bagged a hat-trick, Samir Nasri scored a solo wonder goal and Ivorian substitute Emmanuel Eboue was also on the scoresheet.

Starting XI vs Porto in epic 2010 Champions League comeback

Manuel Almunia; Bacary Sagna, Sol Campbell, Thomas Vermaelen, Gaël Clichy; Alexandre Song, Abou Diaby; Tomáš Rosický, Samir Nasri, Andrey Arshavin; Nicklas Bendtner.

Nasri bobs and weaves through the Porto side. Video: @afcstuff / X

Arteta’s Gunners have work to do in London

Arsenal went down 1-0 in Porto three weeks ago. Now they have to win the second leg to advance to the quarters of the Champions League for the first time in 14 years. Mikel Arteta’s side welcomed defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurien Timber back to full training this week but neither will be fit enough to start. Gabriel Martinelli has a deep cut on his leg and won’t play any part. Therefore, Leandro Trossard should keep his place in the side on the left-hand side of the attack.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Porto:

David Raya; Benjamin White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Jakub Kiwior; Declan Rice, Jorginho; Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Leandro Trossard; Kai Havertz.

Arsenal Champions League Porto Saka
Bukayo Saka’s mood summed up that of the Gunners camp in Porto. Image: Eurosport

ITALIAN SERIE A OUTFIT LECCE SACK MANAGER FOR HEADBUTTING

Italian transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano always has his ear close to the ground. On Sunday 10 March, Lecce lost 1-0 at home to Hellas Verona and their manager Roberto d’Aversa couldn’t contain his anger at the final whistle. The 48-year-old took matters into his own hands, head-butting Verona player Thomas Henry. There have been serious repercussions.

“After the events that took place at the end of the Lecce – Verona match, US Lecce announces that it has relieved coach Roberto D’Aversa of his duties,” the club said in a statement. Lecce lie in 15th place and just a single point above the relegation zone.

Italian Serie A Lecce
Lecce have sacked their manager. Image: sportal.eu

Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.

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