Mikel Arteta faced questions at the Sobha Realty training centre ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League round of 16 second leg clash with Porto at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners go into the game needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit after a disappointing defeat in the first leg at Estadio do Dragao. Arteta’s side were outsmarted by a canny Porto side in Portugal, but Arsenal are keen to learn from their mistakes.

Their job could be made tougher by doubts over Gabriel Martinelli’s fitness. The Brazilian is struggling with a foot injury. This was one of the topics that Arteta spoke about. Read every word he had to say below.

Any team news?

Not many updates. We still have 24 hours and we’re trying to have everyone fit for tomorrow

Same for Tomiyasu?

Tomi did the first part, Gabi didn’t. We’re hoping to have them available.

How do you view the title race after City vs Liverpool?

It’s great to be top that’s for sure. It was an amazing game, with amazing teams, with so many alternatives. I think it’s an amazing situation when you look at the level that both have that we’re still there and we’re still top. So the ambition raises. We want to continue to be there. We have to go game by game.

Can you describe the bond within the group after winning for Ramsdale vs Brentford?

The unity around the players is amazing. It’s organic, it’s natural. They really feel for each other. When they have the chance to make somebody look better and get somebody out of trouble they’re willing to do it. It was a great example of the quality of the team and the people that we have within it.

What will you have to do different from the last Porto leg?

We’re certainly going to have to tweak a few things to generate much more than we did. It’s the level of the Champions League. You’re facing top teams. The fact that there are two game plays in your mind and we have to be better tomorrow.

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What would it mean to you to guide the team into the last eight?

That’s the opportunity that we have tomorrow. In front of our people, in our stadium for 96 minutes. Bring your energy, bring your noise and let’s do it together.

Do you think the fans will be crucial tomorrow?

I think the impact that they can make tomorrow is incredible. I don’t think they realise. We need that noise, we need them playing every ball with us and we need that emotional control as well to understand that the game will go through certain phases and we have to be really intelligent to get what we want. It’s a beautiful opportunity to live one of those nights. It’s been 14 years so everything that we put in there is going to be worth it.

What does it mean as a manager to hear the crowd?

It makes me want to go there and play. It’s the feeling that we have that, it’s a joy to be part of this club and to be part of these games. Tomorrow is going to be a great night.

What have you learnt from the Porto game?

Every week, every opponent has their strengths and weaknesses and the way they play the game. Now we know theirs a bit better. We’ve played these games many times in the Premier League. We’ll just focus on ourselves and doing more than we did at Porto.

You could be in the QFs of the CL and top of the PL…

We have to make it happen tomorrow. We’re going to have to be very good to achieve that.

Does their have to be a level on control on the pitch amid all the passion?

For sure. The game context is very important. We know that we have a long match to play. There are moments that could go your way and that it can change dramatically quick. That’s the Champions League and you have to be ready for these kind of games.

How important is it to call on Jesus and Zinchenko with their CL experience?

Well we haven’t had them for long periods this season. The same with someone like Thomas as well. It’s what we have, we have others who have learned. The boys will be ready tomorrow.

Are they fit enough to start?

Everybody that is available has to be available enough to play because you might have to play after five minutes or from the start. The boys are in a good place.

What are your best memories as a player of European nights?

I have a few. The one we played here with Barca, with Bayern Munich as well was an amazing night. As well when we had to do a comeback against AC Milan. But now is the present we have to make it happen tomorrow.

What will you do to make sure your team get over the line where you couldn’t as a player?

Prepare the best possible way. Make a lot of right decisions and then be brave. You cannot wait in these situations, you have to go and make things happen. That’s the approach tomorrow.

Can you tell us about the picture of a whiteboard where the players say how the Emirates Stadium make them feel?

I haven’t seen it.

Was there a game as a player where you realised the importance of atmosphere?

The first derby that I played with PSG and Marseille I couldn’t believe the atmosphere. I played the Old Firm in Scotland and I was shocked. It can play a huge part and give you a great atmosphere and belief. I’m sure tomorrow will be like that.

What are the chances of Martinelli playing tomorrow?

You want a percentage? There are options… Sorry to disappoint.

What did you make of Sergio Conceicao’s comments after the last game?

There is no interpretation. Those are strong words.

How hungry are you to win tomorrow?

Now a lot because I haven’t had my dinner still and we have to achieve something that we haven’t done for 14 years.