MIKEL ARTETA has called on Arsenal to seize their “beautiful” Champions League moment.
The Gunners boss has also demanded the Emirates crowd “bring the noise” to end their 14 years of European woe.
AFPMikel Arteta, right, issued a rousing message ahead of the last-16 second leg[/caption]
Times Newspapers LtdSamir Nasri, right, celebrates bagging the third goal in a 5-0 romp that sealed a 6-3 aggregate win over Porto at the same stage in 2009-10[/caption]
Arsenal need to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Porto tonight to reach the quarter finals – a stage they have not graced since beating the same Portuguese giants in 2010.
And boss Arteta said: “It’s a beautiful opportunity to live one of those nights. It’s been 14 years so everything that we put in there is going to be worth it.
“We have to make a lot of right decisions and then be brave. You cannot wait in these situations. You have to go and make things happen. That’s the approach.”
Since Arteta has taken over at the club in December 2019, he has overseen five European knock-out games at the Emirates and has won none of them.
Arteta added: “The details and the margins are so small. That is a huge part of these knock-out games.
“One of the objectives [is to change history] and we have to build it slowly. We have a big chance of doing a bit of that.”
Arteta has played a massive role in transforming the atmosphere at the Emirates – once so toxic, now is one of the North London club’s greatest strengths.
The Spaniard said of the fans: “I think the impact that they can make tomorrow is incredible. I don’t think they realise.
Times Newspapers LtdThe Gunners lost 2-1 in Porto 14 years ago but sailed into the quarter-finals thanks to an awesome Emirates display[/caption]
“We need that noise. We need them playing every ball with us and we need that emotional control as well to understand that the game will go through certain phases.
“We have to be really intelligent to get what we want.
“It makes me want to go there and play. It’s the feeling that we have that it’s a joy to be part of this club and to be part of these games. It is going to be a great night.
“That’s the opportunity that we have. In front of our people, in our stadium. Bring your energy, bring your noise and let’s do it together.”
Skipper Martin Odegaard said: “The difference from when I first came here and to now, we are doing this together with the fans and that is what is so special.
“I feel like every time we go out there now we have that extra gear, that extra boost. They are helping us so much and I am sure they are going to be on fire again. I can’t wait.”
ReutersMartin Odegaard looks dejected after Galeno’s late winner for Porto in the first leg three weeks ago but is feeling confident now[/caption]
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