Mikel Arteta provided some post match thoughts to TNT Sports after his side’s 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen this evening.
Here’s what he had to say.
On the win …
I think the team was immense today. The manner that we started the game, showing so much domination, big chances, I think the keeper kept them alive in the first half. It should have been two or three at least.
And then there are some moments, obviously, against really good sides and they can dominate you and make you play deep. But I think overall we had a big performance as a team and individually as well, players that elevated the level to the highest standards probably of the season.
On Eze’s brilliant goal …
When you talk about technique and when you talk about making contact with the ball in that manner, it’s just the ball sounded ‘boof’. You know, I just see the reaction of all the players around him, and yeah, that’s why he’s here.
Their keeper making big saves …
This is the Champions League. And yeah, you get worried because when you have four or five chances in the manner that we had and you don’t put the ball in the back of the net, everything is possible. And I think the second half as well, because there are so many open situations for me to finish the game.
But again, we had an incredible moment from Declan to win the game.
The curl on Rice’s finish …
It’s about striking the ball and the quality. And I want us to do that more often because we have a lot of players that can do that.
A quarter-final against Sporting being distinct from the league stage last season …
It’s completely different. I watched the first half today, and they’re a top side. It’s going to be very difficult. So enjoy tonight and prepare because we have a beautiful final to play on Sunday.
Was rotation tonight about Sunday?
No, it was related to the game and certain players that needed to come off, basically, because of the all the minutes that they are playing. So, yeah, now we can focus on the final.