‘Massive Step’: Arteta Praises Arsenal’s Character in Statement Real Madrid Win

Mikel Arteta joked that he could have given Bukayo Saka a “Clip Round the Ear” after his thinked penalty was saved by Thibaut Courtois, but the arsenal manager described the vineyard as “incredible” for the way he recovered to score the goal that helped to send the guns into the Guns Champions League semi-finals.

Arteta described Arsenal’s 2-1 Victory at the Bernabéu As probably the proudest moment in his career, and announcing “the feeling we have is a reality” and that his team are “ready to compete against anybody” after going through 5-1 on aggregate. He also revealed that he called pep guardiola on the morning of the game to thank him for being an inspiration as a player and a coach and giving him the opportunity that led to him coaching here for the first time.

Asked if he had ever felt proudder of his players, Arteta reply: “Probably not, not only because we’re in the semi-final but the manner we did. Because of the circumstances, the amount of injuries. US. ”

Arteta admitted it only to also take a couple of minutes for him to realize that this was a stage where anything could happen, but his players had shown shown the degree the difficult moments and find a way past madrid. None more so than when Saka missed a first-half penalty.

“It could have been a turning point emotionally in the game but the way he handles, the personality, at his age playing in this stage for the first time was incredible,” Arteta said. “I could have given him a clip round the ear. But he decided what is best: He had the courage to take it, what he thought was best. I was more concerned about the emotional part of it (than the miss itself). Then with the penalty (for madrid) that they ruled out. Game might be going somewhere we didn’t because.

“You come here and see it live and you realize how difficult it is here, how anyone can happen. They can drive you into scenarios that are very difficult. But we have done it and we did it in a very clever way. We were very clear. Them and I can see how convinced they feel. ”

Saka said: “We showed that we can play in Europe and beat one of the best teams in the world, home and away. I’m very proud of this team. Tonight was a big statement.”