Arsenal open their UEFA Champions League campaign with a match against PSV Eindhoven in Group B at the Emirates Stadium tonight.
Following their 1-0 win over Everton last weekend, the Gunners will be feeling confident going into this game as they look to keep up their impressive season so far.
The Gunners will play in the Champions League for the first time in six years tonight, despite having previously been a regular participant for 19 straight seasons.
Meanwhile, having represented the club as a player in the tournament, Mikel Arteta is set to make his managerial debut as head coach in the competition.
The Spaniard declared that the team is prepared to compete and that he is ready for the new challenge.
“Proud and excited. It’s been a long time for the club since we have been in the competition, and obviously, it’s the first time for me as a manager. So I’m really looking forward to it.
“We have been chasing it and fighting for it, and now that we have it, we have to make the most of it. It starts at home, and I’m sure our supporters are going to be really excited about it, and it’s about managing that and enjoying the challenge,” noted Arteta.
“We are used to playing top opposition” – Arteta
Arteta is optimistic that Arsenal will continue its league-best performance in the Champions League.
“We have to treat it like any other game. We are used to playing top opposition every week in the Premier League, and on Wednesday again, we are going to have a top side fighting against us. The good thing is that we experience that every three or four days in the Premier League, so it won’t be any different,” said Arteta.
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The Gunners’ focus will turn to their next task after tonight’s game when they host Tottenham Hotspur in Premier League action on Sunday.
