Mikel Arteta praised his side’s character and “identity” after Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, the Gunners boss admitted his players felt they had a point to prove following a difficult run of domestic results.
A late strike from Kai Havertz proved the difference on a night where Arsenal had to withstand heavy pressure from a Sporting side that had previously won 17 consecutive home matches.
“I am extremely happy. It was a big night and a massive moment in our season, especially considering where we were coming from,” Arteta said. “I spoke yesterday about identity and the things I wanted to see on the pitch, and we certainly saw that shift tonight.”
The Spaniard acknowledged that while Arsenal controlled large portions of the game, they lacked a clinical edge until the final moments. However, he was quick to credit the impact of his “finishers”—the players introduced from the bench who have now contributed to 38 goal involvements for the club this season.
“It is a reflection of the chemistry in this team,” Arteta explained. “It is not easy to leave certain players on the bench, but they love each other so much that they do it for the team. When you play with that attitude and desire, these things happen. We needed them in a crucial moment to win it for us.”
Arteta also touched upon the mental resilience required to perform in Lisbon, noting that he urged his players to ignore the outside “noise” and focus on their internal standards during a testing period.
He added: “When you have a difficult period, the best thing you can do is observe. Look around and see how people react, how they judge you, and if they start to criticise others. I could not be prouder to work at a club where people only ask, ‘What else can I do to help?’ Something good will happen at the end because we deserve it.”
The Wall: David Raya’s ‘Extraordinary’ Display
While Kai Havertz grabbed the headlines with the winner, Arteta was left searching for superlatives to describe the performance of goalkeeper David Raya. The Spaniard produced a string of vital saves, including a stunning double-stop, to keep the scores level before the late breakthrough.
“He was extraordinary, magnificent, incredible,” Arteta said. “I don’t know which adjective is the right one, but we are so happy to have him. The role of the keeper has evolved rapidly, and the demands we put on them are a lot. Beyond his quality, it is his courage and will that allow him to reach another level.”
Havertz: The Big-Game Specialist
Havertz once again demonstrated his knack for delivering in the Champions League. After being left out of the starting line-up, the German international responded by scoring the winner shortly after coming on.
Arteta revealed: “I could see from his disappointment the other day that he wanted to play immediately. He has a history of stepping up when it matters most in this competition; he has lifted it before, and that is a really important thing to have in the team.”