Interview

‘You must respond mentally to the situation'

The last time we faced AC Milan in European competition, we almost pulled off a remarkable comeback.

Trailing 4-0 after the first leg of our Champions League last-16 tie in 2012, we came roaring back in the first half of the second match at the Emirates, and led 3-0 at the break, before failing to convert some presentable opportunities after half-time.

This time, we lead 2-0 going into Thursday night’s match at the Emirates, but Arsène Wenger is keen for his team to use the experience of that night - plus the scare we were given by Ostersunds in the last round - to ensure our focus doesn’t drop.

“We still have to play the game and win it,” he said. “You must win the game even if we concede early, yes of course. It all comes down to the performance. 

“You have to respond mentally to the situation you face. Sometimes in a game you are 1-0 down but you can still win the game.

“This is one opportunity we have and we have to take it. We did half a job in the first game but Europe gives you a psychological problem you have to master. When you have won away from home, you have to finish the job at home but it is not easy because it always puts the team who is playing against you in the position of having nothing to lose. 

“You have to face the fact that the best way to approach the game is to try to win it.”

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