| Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, and David Raya of Arsenal embrace at full-time after victory in the penalty shoot out following the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Porto at Emirates Stadium on March 12, 2024 in London, England. |
Mikel Arteta thanked Arsenal fans for playing a significant role in Tuesday's dramatic win over Porto in the UEFA Champions League.
The Gunners won 1-0 in 90 minutes thanks to a goal from Leandro Trossard. But Porto had won the first leg 1-0 last month so the tie went to extra time and then a penalty shootout at the Emirates Stadium.
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In front of a 60,257-strong crowd, Arteta's side eventually prevailed 4-2 in the shootout.
Odegaard, Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice all hit the net from 12 yards, but Gunners keeper David Raya saved spot-kicks from Wendell and Galeno.
After the game, Arteta delivered a message to the Arsenal supporters in an interview with TNT Sports.
"Thank you so much," Arteta said. "We absolutely love them, the energy they gave, how positive they were, how they contributed.
"They made us win, it's as simple as that.
"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."
Arsenal's victory saw the club qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2010.
"Unbelievable, that's where we want to be," Arteta added.
"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."
Arteta had earlier revealed that Monday's training session had included penalty practice to ensure his players would be ready for the possibility of a shootout.
He explained: "You're very nervous [watching a penalty shootout], hoping for the best but you know it's a bit of a lottery.
"We had prepared the day before so credit to the goalkeeping coaches and everyone that has contributed."
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