Arteta’s rallying cry to the Arsenal fans ahead of a decisive Champions League match against Porto

MIKEL ARTETA has called on Arsenal to seize their “beautiful” Champions League moment.

The Gunners boss has also demanded that the Emirates crowd “bring the noise” to end their 14 years of European misery.

Mikel Arteta, right, delivered an exciting message ahead of the final 16 seconds of the second legCredit: AFP

Samir Nasri, right, celebrates scoring the third goal in a 5-0 battle that sealed a 6-3 aggregate victory over Porto at the same stage in 2009-2010Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd

Arsenal must overturn a 1-0 deficit against Porto tonight to reach the quarter-finals – a stage they have not experienced since beating the same Portuguese giants in 2010.

And boss Arteta said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience one of those nights. It’s been fourteen years, so everything we put into it will be worth it.

“We have to make a lot of right decisions and then be brave. In these situations you cannot wait. You have to go and make things happen. That is the approach.”

Since taking charge of the club in December 2019, Arteta has overseen five European knockout games in the Emirates and won none of them.

Arteta added: “The details and the margins are so small. That’s a big part of these knockout games.

“One of the objectives [is to change history] and we have to build it up slowly. We have a great opportunity to do that a little bit.”

Arteta has played a huge role in transforming the atmosphere in the Emirates – once so toxic, it is now one of the north London club’s biggest strengths.

The Spaniard said of the fans: “I think the impact they can make tomorrow is incredible. I don’t think they realize it.

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The Gunners lost 2-1 in Porto 14 years ago but reached the quarter-finals thanks to a great Emirates performanceCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

‘We need that sound. We need them to play every ball with us and we also need that emotional control to understand that the game will go through certain phases.

“We have to be very intelligent to get what we want.

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“It makes me want to go out there and play. It is the feeling that we have that it is a pleasure to be part of this club and to be part of these matches. It’s going to be a great evening.

“That’s the opportunity we have. For our people, in our stadium. Bring your energy, bring your sound and let’s do it together.”

Skipper Martin Odegaard said: “The difference between when I first came here and now, we do this together with the fans and that’s what’s so special.

“I feel like every time we go out there we have that extra gear, that extra boost. They help us a lot and I’m sure they will be on fire again. I can not wait.”

Martin Odegaard looks dejected after Galeno's late winner for Porto in the first leg three weeks ago but is now confident — Martin Odegaard looks dejected after Galeno’s late winner for Porto in the first leg three weeks ago but is now confidentCredit: Reuters

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