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Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal fans to 'bring the noise' for crunch Porto showdown

Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal fans to 'bring the noise' for crunch Porto showdown

Mikel Arteta has told his Arsenal players they will need to show “emotional control” as they prepare for their do-or-die Champions League clash against Porto.

The Gunners are going into the second leg of their last-16 tie on Tuesday night trailing 1-0 after losing in Portugal three weeks ago courtesy of Brazilian winger Galeno’s last-gasp winner.

Arteta has urged the Arsenal supporters to “bring the noise” at the Emirates Stadium as the club look to make the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since 2010.

But, asked if his players need to have a level of control on the pitch amid all the passion, Arteta said: “For sure.

“The game context is very important. We know that we have a long match to play.

“There are moments that could go your way and that it can change dramatically quick. That’s the Champions League and you have to be ready for these kind of games.

“I think the impact that they (the fans) can make tomorrow is incredible. I don’t think they realise.

Mikel Arteta is demanding a raucous Emirates atmosphere against Porto (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta is demanding a raucous Emirates atmosphere against Porto (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“We need that noise, we need them playing every ball with us and we need that emotional control as well to understand that the game will go through certain phases and we have to be really intelligent to get what we want.

“It’s a beautiful opportunity to live one of those nights. It’s been 14 years so everything that we put in there is going to be worth it.

“That’s the opportunity that we have tomorrow. In front of our people, in our stadium for 96 minutes. Bring your energy, bring your noise and let’s do it together.”

Arsenal struggled during the first leg at Porto, with the Portuguese side turning the game into a scrappy affair.

There were 36 fouls - more than in any other Champions League game this season - and the ball was in play for just over 50 minutes.

Arsenal failed to muster a single shot on target, but Arteta says his side have learned from that defeat.

“Every week, every opponent has their strengths and weaknesses and the way they play the game,” he said.

“Now we know theirs a bit better. We’ve played these games many times in the Premier League. We’ll just focus on ourselves and doing more than we did at Porto.

“We’re certainly going to have to tweak a few things to generate much more than we did. It’s the level of the Champions League.

“You’re facing top teams. The fact that there are two games plays in your mind and we have to be better tomorrow.

“Make a lot of right decisions and then be brave. You cannot wait in these situations, you have to go and make things happen. That’s the approach tomorrow.”