By Isaac Hayden
It's game day and we're all itching to get going in this evening's quarter-final against CSKA Moscow at Emirates Stadium. It'll be a great occasion for us to play at the ground, and we all want to put on a good show for the Arsenal fans who have paid to come and see us in action.
We're in confident mood after the win at Inter Milan in the last-16. The conditions in Italy were unbelievable, with constant rain and large puddles all over the pitch. It was something I've never experienced before but it was the same for both sides and we just had to get on with the job.
"There were a few things said to us both on and off the pitch during the game and we didn't allow let it get to us - but I must admit it was particularly satisfying to beat them!"
There were a few things said to us both on and off the pitch during the game and we didn't allow let it get to us - but I must admit it was particularly satisfying to beat them! Our celebrations were pretty big when the full-time whistle went and it showed that it meant a lot for us to get through. It was so tiring because the pitch was soaking wet and the whole situation just took its toll, so when the whistle went we all let our emotions out and went crazy!
We definitely feel we can go all the way now, but first of all we have to concentrate on CSKA Moscow. They will be a difficult test for us and pose us different problems but I think they will struggle to deal with our pace in wide areas. We have seen a few videos of them and they're a big side, but if we perform to our capabilities then there is no reason why we can't beat them.
I have played in a couple of friendlies at the Emirates, but this will be my first proper game there and I can't wait. I have played in a few big atmospheres in the last few years, such as in Georgia with England Under-17s. There were 15,000 people there, so hopefully we will have a similar crowd on Monday night.
The atmosphere really helps you as a player. The aura of the groud makes a big difference and makes you even hungrier to win and deliver a big performance. Knowing there are fans there who have paid to watch you play gives you an extra incentive to give them a good game.
Playing at the Emirates in front of 60,000 people is where I want to be in the future, so hopefully this game will stand me in good stead. But for now, all I am concentrating on is beating Moscow and securing a place in the semi-finals. See you at the Emirates tonight!
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