Wenger hopful of today's UCL encounter with Barcelona

It may have been five years ago, but the gunners boss hopes that result can have an effect on his current crop ahead of Tuesday night’s encounter.

Of course, we have been here before. Back at the same stage in 2011, the Gunners defied expectations to claim an unforgettable first leg win at the Emirates thanks to late goals from Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin.

The decision to win today's encounter will rest solely on the focus and style of the players as nothing can stop the gunners to claiming their victory at home soil. 

“We are excited about playing it, but on the other hand, you want to win it. That creates worry and you want to think about what is the best way to beat them. I think we have a chance to achieve that.

“Of course they are the best team in Europe at the moment, because they are the holders of the trophy, and they are top of their league by a big margin. That means the task is difficult but as well very exciting.

“I expect an open game, because they are a team who go forward and play with three strikers. We like to attack as well so it should be a very offensive, exciting game on both sides.”

“To know that we have done it before helps because it means what you have done, you can do again,” he said. “We should be inspired by that.

“On the day, we beat them in the final stages of the game. That’s why we have to prepare ourselves to be physically very strong, resolute and go through uncomfortable situations in the game with a resolute attitude.

“You want not to be impressed by them, and just play without any handbrake. Defend well and find that mixture that we found against Bayern Munich at home. I think that should inspire us.”