After seeing his side come from behind to clinch another Champions League win against Girona, Mikel Arteta felt our trip to his homeland couldn’t have gone much better.
Jorginho and Ethan Nwaneri grabbed the goals that saw us record a fourth-straight victory in the competition for the first time in nearly two decades, and seal a third-place finish in the table.
And after being able to rotate his starting line-up and still get a win in European competition delighted the boss, especially against a side who have been so difficult for their opponents to beat right throughout the league phase.
“That was exactly what we wanted, to finish winning and with a good taste,” he said.
“We talked about consistency and earning the right to win football matches, and I think today we deserved to win the game again. But it shows you how difficult it is to win in the Champions League. We knew coming here we were going to have to suffer at times, and we’ve done it. I think attacking we produced a lot today and I’m very happy overall.
“We managed to give games to players that deserve it, for example Neto, and we have been able to give some minutes to certain players that really needed it, and rest some others. There’s no injuries and a good result, so very positive all round.”
Nwaneri’s display once again took Mikel’s breath away as he blasted in a fine goal to win the match and the Man of the Match award from UEFA.
That has helped set up a last-16 encounter against one of Juventus, AC Milan, Feyenoord or PSV Eindhoven, and Mikel is pleased we’ll enjoy the benefit of a couple of midweeks off as a reward for our impressive form throughout our European excursions so far.
On Nwnaeri, he added: “I’m really impressed. Making his debut as a Champions League starter today and scoring the goal that he scored, especially in a very important moment. His influence, his composure on the ball and how aggressive he is when he gets it, it’s impressive.
“I think it has been a very good group stage. We’ve been very consistent at home and away, with the performances and results as well. Today we wanted to finish with a good taste so let’s wait and see what the draw brings.”
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