Mikel Arteta challenged his players to “write a different story” at the Allianz Arena, believing that victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinal would propel Arsenal to new heights.
Following an exciting draw at the Emirates Stadium last week, the Gunners and Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern are tied at 2-2 going into tonight’s second leg.
Since then, Arsenal’s Premier League title bid has taken a hit due to their Sunday defeat to Aston Villa, and focus has once again shifted to Europe.
Read Also:Mikel Arteta Issues Odegaard And Saka Arsenal Injury Update Before Bayern Munich
Before making a comeback to the Champions League this season, Arsenal had lost seven straight last-16 matches, three of which were against Bayern. Reported By Skysports.
However, Arteta believes that advancing to the semifinals and facing either record 14-time winners Real Madrid or holders Manchester City will boost Arsenal.
When asked if winning would elevate Arsenal to new heights and how revolutionary it would be, the Spaniard answered, “Yes.”
“That would be absurd. We will be quite emotional about the chance to do something we haven’t done in fifteen years if we manage to make it happen tomorrow and advance to the semi-final.
“All the preparation has been to achieve that. We have earned it. We have earned it for 10 months and everything we did last season, to start our journey in the Champions League after so many years.
“Tomorrow we have an unbelievable opportunity to make it happen.”
Arteta has overseen a sea change in approach to big away games this season, ripping up the recent form books and guiding Arsenal to draws at title rivals City and Liverpool.
They have lost 5-1 on their last two visits to the Allianz – but Arteta wants another memorable away performance to redress more recent history.
“We have to change it and the opportunity comes there,” he added.
COMMENTS