Arteta: We readied to ‘write own history.’ As Arsenal have their first foot in Champions League semi-final
It was a night to remember for Arsenal and all their fans worldwide as they condemned 15-time champions to a 3-0 defeat.
Prior to the encounter, questions were raised from various sections if the Gunners would be able to escape the jigsaw of the Galaticos and exhibit a scintillating performance in front of the own fans.
Following their deserved first-leg win over the defending champions, Real Madrid, Arsenal have their first foot in semi-finals of the competition in sixteen years.
Arsenal came in front courtesy Declan Rice’s sensational two free-kick goals which were eventually made three by Mikel Merino later on in the match.
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta described the free-kicks from Declan Rice as ‘magic moments’ which instigated the 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Arteta noted that his side were “ready to write their own history” after annihilating 15-time Champions Leagues victors Real Madrid in their first leg tie at the Emirates Stadium last night.
The Gunners proceeded their winning streak against the Los Blancos, having dumped them in the last 16 of the same competition in 2006, which many across the world tagged “the best they had seen at the Emirates Stadium in nineteen years.”
We Readied To ‘Write Own History’ − Arteta
Speaking following their 3-0 win over Real Madrid, Arteta left little doubt about the magnitude of the result.
“When you’ve not played against this team for 20 years, you’ve not had a proper run in this competition, you have to be prepared to write your own history,” he said.
It’s on nights like this, that you can write your own history.
It came from the collective and individual quality of our players. And now we have a lot more to give.”
Being cautious of complacency which might deter his team from progressing to the next stage of the competition, Arteta sounded out a statement of caution, repeatedly reminding his players−and the whole world−it was still “half-time” in the tie which is meant to be two legged, warning them of the danger of not being able to finish the job next week at the Bernabeu.
“We’re going to enjoy the win but we know it’s half-time and we’re going to have to be even better in Madrid,” he added.
“I was very convinced [this could happen]. I could sense in the build-up we could create a lot of problems.
“But you have to make it happen. If you have that mindset and belief it can happen, you can deliver it. We did that but it’s only half-time.”
The Arsenal manager also noted that both his side’s team performance and “moment of magic” made the difference on the evening as he commended Declan Rice for his outstanding performance on the night, and cited his double−his first direct goals from free-kicks−but disclosed that his dead-ball potent had been long in the making.
We Readied To ‘Write Own History’ − Arteta
“Declan’s been very determined because we have said in the last few months that we have not scored a direct free-kick in three-and-half years,” he said.
“So, to score two goals in 12 minutes of that magnitude and of that quality from the same player, a player that has never scored a free-kick before in his career, what are the odds?
“This night was all about two factors; one is the atmosphere that we created 15 minutes before kick-off with something I haven’t seen before.
“And then the magic, the individual moments that decide all matches. And the first two goals from Declan sums up the night.”
The Team Struggled Physically And Mentally – Ancelotti
On the other hand, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted that his team were unable to cope with the tempo and demands of the game in the loss to Arsenal.
We Readied To ‘Write Own History’ − Arteta
Assessment of his Real Madrid team’s performance throughout the tie after conceding three times in 17 minutes through the second half, they now have huge task at home, next week, to return the deficit and record a win after 90 minutes of action.
The Italian tactician, who has won most Champions Leagues medals as a manager, admitted that the team let down his tactic after failing to react to Rice’s free-kick double−and was left to watch the match to the end frustrated as his team failed to record an away goal following Mikel Merino’s third.
“It’s been very difficult for us. We thought the team were strong coming into the game, in the first half we were organised,” he said.
“Then after the two goals we conceded from free-kicks, the team struggled mentally and physically. The level dropped.
“It was difficult, it was finishing the game in that way. Normally this team raise their game towards the end of games, it was disappointing and poor.
“We have to be critical of ourselves here and do everything we can next week to recover.”
Assessing Real Madrid historic comebacks in the Champions League in recent years, questions are being raised if they can replicate another monumental night during the return leg, next week, at the Bernabeu but little expectation was done by Ancelotti of his team to progress to the semi-finals after such a disastrous first-leg outing at the Emirates.
“The possibilities are quite low but we have to try 100 per cent and do everything we can,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity to show a response to a pure game.”
We Readied To ‘Write Own History’ − Arteta
