Mikel Arteta's message was clear after Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League semi-finals: this squad deserves immense credit. A gritty 0-0 draw at the Emirates, following a 1-0 first-leg victory in Portugal, was enough to see off Sporting CP and book a second consecutive semi-final appearance—a historic first for the club.

The achievement was made all the more impressive by a mounting injury crisis. With key figures like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard sidelined, others had to step up. Declan Rice, who didn't train in the lead-up due to fatigue, played the full 94 minutes, embodying the squad's resilience. "He was shattered," Arteta admitted, praising the midfielder's commitment. "He played at the level he has done. Every single player is putting everything on the line."

Arteta was keen to frame the accomplishment within the brutal context of the Premier League season. "We are the only English team left in the competition," he noted, highlighting the physical and mental toll of the domestic schedule. "This league takes the hell out of you, and it's very difficult to do what we've done."

When questioned about any sense of relief after recent domestic setbacks, the manager pushed back, emphasizing the bigger picture. He suggested the full story of the squad's effort and context isn't always captured, a testament to the behind-the-scenes work that fuels these monumental nights in European football.