Ian Wright tells Arsenal fans to ignore ‘celebration police’ after Wayne Rooney criticism

Midfielder Declan Rice was also quick to encourage celebrations, telling Amazon Prime after the win: “I don't think you can underestimate what we have done in this competition up to this point.

“We have every right to celebrate that moment. The most prestigious competition in club football. We are just trying to soak it all in.

“We knew coming into the game what was at stake. If you can't get up for that, then you can't get up for any game of football.

“When we went 1-0 up, I knew we were going to win. I could feel something special building.”

Bukayo Saka’s goal made the difference (PA Wire)

The atmosphere at the Emirates has occasionally come under criticism in recent seasons for failing to replicate the kind of vocal support enjoyed at other team’s home grounds.

But a superb atmosphere was created from before kick-off on Tuesday night as supporters greeted the team bus with flares and chants, the first time that has happened, and Arteta paid tribute to that warm reception afterwards.

He said: “It was an incredible night. We made history again together and I cannot be happier and prouder for everybody that’s involved in this football club.

“The manner that we [were] received outside the stadium was special and unique. The atmosphere, our support has created the energy, the way they managed every ball with us... I never felt that in the stadium [before].

“We knew how much it meant to everybody... the boys did an incredible job and after 20 years and a second time in our history, we are back in the Champions League final.”