Arteta thanks crowd as Gunners need penalties to squeak past Porto
March 13, 2024
Arsenal advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time since 2010, but it took a penalty shootout to see them past Porto as a 1-0 result on the night meant a 1-1 aggregate that not even extra time could separate.
It was Leandro Trossard who scored the only goal of the night as he connected with a great pass from skipper Martin Odegaard. In scoring Trossard became only the third player to score in each of his first three Champions League home games for Arsenal – a feat only Alexis Sánchez and Bukayo Saka had managed previously.
Speaking after the game a relieved Gunners boss Mikel Arteta told TNT Sports: “I am so happy. It has been 14 years, which is a long time for a club like Arsenal and it shows how difficult it was.
“We really had to dig in to find the magic moment at the end. We’re starting to create an unbelievable energy in the stadium, we were all pushing to get it done and together we have done it.
“You’re very nervous watching a penalty shootout, hoping for the best but you know it’s a bit of a lottery.
“We had prepared the day before so credit to the goalkeeping coaches and everyone that has contributed. It’s really difficult to play against Porto, they are really competitive. We didn’t get many moments where we could control the game, they’re a really good side.
“We scored a goal in a really important moment, we tried to create chances and in the end we managed to do it.
“There’s a lot at stake and every detail is important, you’re defending your team on every decision and it’s part of the game.”
Arteta went on to thank the Arsenal fans who carried the side over the line. “Thank you so much to the fans. We absolutely love them, the energy they gave, how positive they were, how they contributed. They made us win, it’s as simple as that.”
“Unbelievable, that’s where we want to be. We’ve been patient, worked so hard and a lot of people have made good decisions and showed courage in difficult moments, and this is where you want to be,” he said.
Arsenal will discover their quarter-final opponents when the draw takes place on Friday at the House of European Football in Switzerland.
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Arteta thanks crowd as Gunners need penalties to squeak past Porto
Arsenal advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time since 2010, but it took a penalty shootout to see them past Porto as a 1-0 result on the night meant a 1-1 aggregate that not even extra time could separate.
It was Leandro Trossard who scored the only goal of the night as he connected with a great pass from skipper Martin Odegaard. In scoring Trossard became only the third player to score in each of his first three Champions League home games for Arsenal – a feat only Alexis Sánchez and Bukayo Saka had managed previously.
Speaking after the game a relieved Gunners boss Mikel Arteta told TNT Sports: “I am so happy. It has been 14 years, which is a long time for a club like Arsenal and it shows how difficult it was.
“We really had to dig in to find the magic moment at the end. We’re starting to create an unbelievable energy in the stadium, we were all pushing to get it done and together we have done it.
“You’re very nervous watching a penalty shootout, hoping for the best but you know it’s a bit of a lottery.
“We had prepared the day before so credit to the goalkeeping coaches and everyone that has contributed. It’s really difficult to play against Porto, they are really competitive. We didn’t get many moments where we could control the game, they’re a really good side.
“We scored a goal in a really important moment, we tried to create chances and in the end we managed to do it.
“There’s a lot at stake and every detail is important, you’re defending your team on every decision and it’s part of the game.”
Arteta went on to thank the Arsenal fans who carried the side over the line. “Thank you so much to the fans. We absolutely love them, the energy they gave, how positive they were, how they contributed. They made us win, it’s as simple as that.”
“Unbelievable, that’s where we want to be. We’ve been patient, worked so hard and a lot of people have made good decisions and showed courage in difficult moments, and this is where you want to be,” he said.
Arsenal will discover their quarter-final opponents when the draw takes place on Friday at the House of European Football in Switzerland.