Arteta says winning in Munich can take Arsenal to next level
Mikel Arteta believes Champions League quarter-final success against Bayern Munich will take Arsenal to the next level as he told his players to “write a different story” at the Allianz Arena.
The Gunners head into tonight's second leg locked at 2-2 with Thomas Tuchel's Bayern after a thrilling draw at the Emirates last week.
Defeat by Aston Villa on Sunday has since dented Arsenal's Premier League title bid as attention now turns to Europe once again.
Arsenal had lost seven last16 ties in succession before returning to the Champions League this season - three times to Bayern.
Arteta, though, feels reaching a semi-final against either holders Manchester City or record 14-time winners Real Madrid would elevate Arsenal. Asked how transformative victory would be and whether it would take Arsenal to the next level, the Spaniard replied: “Absolutely.”
He continued: “It would be unbelievable. If we make it happen tomorrow and we're in the semi-final, we'll be in a really high emotional state with something that we haven't achieved in 15 years and that's the opportunity.
“All the preparation has been to achieve that. We have earned it. We have earned it for ten months and everything we did last season, to start our journey in the Champions League after so many years.
“On Wednesday we have an unbelievable opportunity to make it happen.”
Arteta has overseen a sea change in approach to big away games this season, ripping up the recent form books and guiding Arsenal to draws at title rivals City and Liverpool.
They have lost 5-1 on their last two visits to the Allianz – but Arteta wants another memorable away performance to redress more recent history.
“We have to change it and the opportunity comes there,” he added. “There are lots of things we can do to write our story very differently tomorrow, we know that and it is going to be about putting in a very, very strong performance collectively and individually to earn the right to be in the semi-final.
“Most of our players haven't experienced a night like this, this is going to be the first one, they are super-motivated, they are prepared, they feel confident and it is something that tomorrow we are going to have to show against an opponent that has this experience – but we want to make it happen.”
Arsenal will come up against Harry Kane again tonight and the England striker admits the season will be a failure if Bayern Munich do not win the Champions League.
Bayer Leverkusen romped to the Bundesliga title at the weekend, ending Bayern's run of 11 straight league trophies and leaving them with only Europe's highest honour to play for.
“Of course, from the club's point of view it will be a failed season if we don't win anything this year,” said Kane. “The main thing for us is we still have an opportunity to turn this season into a great season if we win the Champions League. That motivation is still there and as players you can only hang onto that.”