Arsenal manager Mikel Arterta has expressed his delight with the performance of his side in their 1-1 (4-2) victory over FC Porto in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Leandro Trossard scored a crucial goal for the Gunners to force the match into penalties which ended in favour of the Premier League club. Goalkeeper David Raya played a pivotal role, saving two penalties in the shootout, to ensure they nick a place in the quarterfinals of the competition.
Arterta has lauded the feat achieved by his side which they have long awaited and lauded their tenacity.
Arterta said, “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. [The last eight] is 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.”
Arterta has also showered praises on Raya, who produced a five-star performance in the encounter, for his persistency.
Arterta said: “David had some difficult moments at the start. He has stood up with incredible personality and ambition and in the end he’s been rewarded.”
On the other hand, Barcelona secured a 3-1 victory in the second leg of the Round of 16 and a 4-2 aggregate win over Napoli to reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
Atletico Madrid will square off against Inter Milan while Borussia Dortmund will play PSV Eindhoven in the next games of the competition on Wednesday, March 13.
