Last Updated: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 14:35
Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen is confident his side can get past Porto and progress in the Champions League.
The Gunners suffered a 2-1 defeat in the first leg at Porto's Estadio do Dragao but Vermaelen is confident Arsenal can turn it around and progress in the competition.
"We have proved it before and now we have to do it again. We have to win the home game and I am confident we will go through," said Vermaelen. "I think that we have the quality to do that."
Arsenal keeper Lukasz Fabianski came under criticism following his display in Portugal. The 24-year-old was at fault for both of Porto's goals but Vermaelen has backed the young keeper and said the whole team is to blame for the defeat.
He added: "It was not only him (Fabianski). You lose with 11 or you win with 11. That is how it is with us.
"In Porto we did not perform as a team. Now we have made it difficult for ourselves because we did not play well and we gave stupid goals away."
In domestic matters Arsenal managed to close the gap on second placed Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday thanks to their 2-0 victory over Sunderland and they will fancy their chances In the second leg against Porto on March 9 after a much needed confidence boost.
Punters may wish to use their free bet to back the Gunners for Champions League glory after Vermaelen's confident statement.