Mikel Arteta revelled in Arsenal's achievement of back-to-back Champions League quarter-final appearances, a feat not seen in 15 years, and then declared: "Now we want to make the next step." The Gunners, armed with a commanding 7-1 lead from the first leg, navigated the return last-16 fixture against PSV with ease. A 2-2 draw secured a thrilling encounter with reigning champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Arteta cautioned: "You have to be at your best for the two games for every minute and don't give anything away - because they will take it." Although Arsenal face a daunting 15-point deficit to Liverpool in the Premier Laegue title chase, they are only five matches away from claiming a maiden Champions League triumph. Arteta acknowledged: "We have to value that and recognise it's very difficult to do. Now we want to make the next step. It's very difficult but we are capable to do it.
"It is vital for us because we aspire to win - and to win, you must progress through the stages, and the club requires it. We are an ambitious club that strives to be the best and compete with the world's elite. To accomplish that, you must consistently perform at the highest level.
"It's very difficult but we've achieved it for two consecutive years and possess the talent and capacity to do even better."
Raheem Sterling, the former England winger, shone brightly in a rare starting appearance, providing assists for both Oleksandr Zinchenko's stunning strike and Declan Rice's first-half header.
Despite Arsenal's lead, they were drawn level twice, and Sterling's late challenge on Johan Bakayoko earned him a booking that rules him out of the upcoming home clash with Real Madrid.
Arteta said: "I'm very happy for him and other individuals who haven't had a lot of minutes recently. His final action was chasing back, when he was booked, but that's the kind of player we want to see."
Real Madrid's penalty shootout was marred by VAR drama after Julian Alvarez's attempt was ruled out for a double touch as he slipped. However, Arsenal faced no such issues, cruising to a 9-3 aggregate victory.
Arteta continued: "Obviously, with result from first leg it wasn't going to be full but had to continue and do the work in the manner we want to finish the competition.
"Unfortunately didn't win the game, but we decided to make rotation in the second half because you could see we were tired. Overall I'm very happy because we are for the second consecutive season into the quarter-finals, which is something we haven't done for many years."
This story first appeared on the Mirror