Arteta on “magical” semi-final win | Interview | News

Mikel Arteta said our Champions League semi-final win over Atletico Madrid was one of the best nights in his career, as he spoke about the pride in his team’s – and the supporters’ – performance.

His side barely put a foot wrong in seeing off the Spaniards at Emirates Stadium, as we look forward to our first Champions League final for 20 years. And the manager said the tone for the 1-0 win was set by the energy and passion that our supporters brought, even before kick-off.

“It’s one of the best nights that I’ve had in my career,” he said at full-time. “I think today the supporters raised the standard and told us the way we had to play this game.

“The way they received the team outside the stadium was unique – I’ve never seen it before. And the energy that was created today in this stadium was something else; something different, something that elevates everybody’s conviction, energy, passion, and I’m so proud.

“It’s been so many years, it’s only the second time in our history that we’ve achieved the final. There are days that I don’t know what I’m doing with this job because it’s just mad!

“But when I was looking at the stands today, my players and the staff and see their joy and happiness and that light in them, everything we do makes sense.”

The scenes in the stands and on the pitch at full-time were in stark contrast to this time last year, when we were eliminated at this stage by Paris Saint-Germain. Our victory this time, though, was wholly deserved and extended our unbeaten run in the competition – we have now won 11 and drawn our other three games in the Champions League this season.

“The team was immense, we played a really, really tough opponent, and they have so much experience playing in this kind of competition and these kinds of games,” Arteta added.

“The timing of the goal was perfect I would say. We had that moment as well where it could have gone their way as well, and in the last few minutes I think we had to manage the game – and we did that really well.

“We haven’t played many games of that stature, and against this kind of opponent. Again, you could sense the energy that something magical was happening tonight, and then when the whistle went off and you saw that reaction, it was wonderful.

“It carried on for a while, and everybody was involved. Josh (Kroenke), all the board, all the staff, and that shows you how much it means to everybody and how important everybody is in this journey, so I’m very grateful.”

As soon as the celebrations die down though, thoughts will turn to the weekend, as we continue our quest to win the Premier League title, away to West Ham United on Sunday.

“Let’s enjoy tonight, and tomorrow we have to start to recover really well, get the batteries to the maximum again, and start to prepare for West Ham because that’s a massive game.”