Porto annihilate Arouca 4-0 to make it eight straight wins under Francesco Farioli | OneFootball

Porto registered an eighth consecutive victory under Francesco Farioli following a convincing 4-0 win in Arouca.

Samu scored in the 14th minute before Pepê saw his goal ruled out for offside. Borja Sainz tested João Validot before a howler from the goalkeeper resulted in Francisco Moura hitting the post.

An injured Samu went off at half-time and Martim Fernandes was sent off in the 48th minute but the Dragons’ dominance continued.

Pepê assisted Deniz Gül in the 51st minute and Moura made it 3-0 on the hour mark. There was more humiliation for Arouca, their capitulation complete in the 85th minute when Zaidu Sanusi converted Alberto Costa’s cross from close range.

Arouca 0-4 Porto

Gabri Veiga volleyed wide early on but Porto’s persistence paid off with the opening goal coming in the 14th minute. Jan Bednarek’s long pass picked out Victor Froholdt who saw his shot blocked by Tiago Esgaio, the ball falling for Samu who stroked the ball into an empty net.

Pepê found the net not long after but Borja Sainz was found to be offside by the VAR. Samu picked up another knee injury with nobody around him, got some treatment and stayed on the pitch.

The chances kept coming for the Dragons, Sainz getting on the end of Pepê’s cross and shooting straight at João Validot. The goalkeeper was then spared after coming out and colliding with Esgaio, Francisco Moura picking up the spoils and heading against the post.

Samu off injured

Samu was unable to recover at half-time and replaced by Deniz Gül. There was no let up from Francesco Farioli’s side, Moura’s shot saved and Sainz firing over the bar.

Porto were reduced to 10 men in the 48th minute. Martim Fernandes, who had been booked in the first half, lost possession and fouled Pablo Gozálbez in an attempt to recover the ball, referee Fábio Veríssimo showing the teenager a second yellow card.

Pablo Rosário replaced Gabri Veiga three minutes later and was immediately involved in Porto doubling their advantage. He sent the ball forward where Gül gave the ball to Pepê, the Brazilian doing well to draw defenders and poke the ball through to Gül who finished from close range.

Ten men dominate eleven

The numerical disadvantage was having no effect on the visitors who made it 3-0 in the 60th minute. Froholdt went on a long run, Sainz threading the ball through to Moura who found the bottom corner.

Farioli brought on Dominik Prpic, Zaidu Sanusi and Alberto Costa in the 69th minute as the chances kept coming, Jakub Kiwior firing into the side netting. Arouca’s atrocious defending contributed to Porto’s fourth goal in the 85th minute, Costa crossing to Sanusi who scored from a yard out.

Porto keep rolling

Porto made it eight straight wins under Francesco Farioli, the only goal conceded coming in the 2-1 victory against Sporting CP at Estádio José Alvalade. Scoring three goals with 10 men was impressive and highlighted their superiority.

Everything Farioli touches is turning to gold and his side will start as overwhelming favourites on Thursday when they host Red Star Belgrade at Estádio do Dragão. Samu’s injury is a concern but his half-time withdrawal didn’t slow the Dragons down in Arouca.

Porto deserve a lot of credit but there are few words available to accurately describe the debacle that was Arouca’s defence. Vasco Seabra is one of the most overrated managers in Portugal and I find it amazing that he continually convinces top flight teams to give him a job.