The Arsenal players did not let the fans down by producing a brilliant display to begin their Champions League campaign with a massive victory.
Follow Us
Arsenal’s long wait to play in the Champions League was achieved with a memorable victory in their Group B opener. The Gunners were simply too good for Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, as they ran out comfortable 4-0 winners. Three of those goals came in the first half itself, illustrating the brilliant start the team made on such an emotional night. The supporters were pumped up and the Emirates Stadium was rocking ahead of the kick off.
The Arsenal players did not let the fans down by producing a brilliant display to begin their Champions League campaign with a massive victory. After the win over PSV Eindhoven, Arteta described the result as a “beautiful night.” “Obviously after such a long time, we wanted to produce the right performance to try to win the game, and it was great to see the atmosphere, the Champions League music, everyone was getting a bit emotional before it. We showed especially in both boxes today we were exceptional and that was the difference in the game I think,” Arteta, quoted by Arsenal.com, said after the match.
Asked whether he was emotional before the match, the manager replied, “I was yeah, I was really excited about it, I wanted to control it and I don’t show that too much, but I was really excited. It’s part of the journey, the journey started last year and we earned the right to be in this competition, which is where we have to be as a club and now we have the responsibility to produce what we have to produce to stay at this level.”
Mikel Arteta also spoke about how well his players managed the emotions ahead of their return to the Champions League. “I could sense that. I think we have tried using that energy and that emotion in the right way, talking about the enjoyment, we have to compete at this level but there has to be a part that we have to enjoy as well, those moments, those nights. It’s what at the end you remember, and I think it’s going to be a good memory,” he explained.
Arteta then spoke about facing an opponent whose style of play was different to the Premier League sides. “Every opponent brings different challenges and when you score early in a game probably that helps. That hasn’t been the case too much this season, and that’s what we have to face opponents on other things as well. Certainly, when you see this team running, full of pace, being vertical, it’s a joy to watch,” he stated.
Next up for Arsenal is a north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League at the weekend. “We could manage the minutes of some of them, especially because of where they were coming from and with the national teams where they played a lot of minutes. As well, to give players minutes was fully deserved. I was really emotional when I saw the reception for Emile as well. He’s a player that hasn’t played much yet, and to get the reception that he got was well deserved and I’m so happy for him as well,” he added.
More Football Stories:
David Raya to Arsenal: Why did the Spaniard choose to join the Gunners on loan?
Andre Onana to Manchester United: What is the new goalkeeper’s jersey number for 2023-24 season?
Premier League: Which players have scored the most goals in a single season?
EPL stats: Which clubs have conceded the most last-minute winners in Premier League?
EPL stats: Which clubs have scored the most number of last-minute winners in Premier League?
How long will Kevin De Bruyne be out injured? Pep Guardiola responds
