Arteta urges table toppers to make quarterfinals happen on Tuesday

The last time Arsenal made the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League was in 2010, and after the first-leg defeat in Portugal against FC Porto, the chances of breaking that jinx hangs in the balance ahead of Tuesday’s return leg at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal lost the first leg of the fixture to a late stoppage time goal at Estadio De Dragao, but the Gunners have won their last three Premier League matches since then, beating Newcastle United 4-1, Sheffield United 6-nil and weekend’s 2-1 win over Brentford which sees them top of the Premier League table going into the second leg after Sunday’s 1-1 draw between Manchester City and Liverpool at Anfield.

For the Spanish manager, staying atop the Premier League table going into the second leg is a huge morale booster, but playing in front of the home fans is another big chance to get proper backing.

“That’s the opportunity that we have tomorrow, in front of our people and in our stadium. For 96 minutes, bring your energy, bring your noise, and let’s do it together. We have to make it happen tomorrow, but we have to be very good to achieve that. Every week, every opponent has their strengths and weaknesses and the way that they approach the game, and now we know them a bit better.” Arteta said.

Arsenal currently leads the Premier League in goal difference, joint on points with second-placed Liverpool with 64 points, while Manchester City is third with 63 points.

Pep Guardiola’s team have already secured a quarterfinal place thanks to an aggregate win over FC Copenhagen on both legs, but they were dashed a significant blow on Monday with the injury to goalkeeper Ederson, who is expected to be out for up to a month.

Meanwhile, Barcelona will face Italian side Napoli at the Olympic stadium in Barcelona, with the first-leg result being 1-1.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu