Mikel Arteta said it was a ‘massive boost’ for Arsenal to reach the Champions League semi-finals despite struggling once again against Sporting on Wednesday.
The Gunners were held to a 0-0 draw at home in the second leg of the quarter-finals, meaning Kai Havertz’s solitary goal in Lisbon was enough to advance to the last four.
It is the first time in the club’s history that they have reached back-to-back semi-finals in the competition, but they were far from their best on Wednesday night, recording just one shot on target.
Asked whether progress in the Champions League would have a positive impact on this Sunday’s Premier League decider against Manchester City, he said: Sky Sports live broadcast“100% it’s a huge improvement,” Arteta said.
“It is very difficult to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. We will enjoy it because we deserve it.”
Mikel Arteta celebrates Arsenal reaching the Champions League semi-finals after a 0-0 draw with Sporting
Arsenal’s recent dip in form has raised questions about the team’s ability to maintain their courage as they enter contention. no way Super Sunday A loss to City would open the door for Pep Guardiola’s side to move level on points with the league leaders the Gunners if they win the game.
But Arteta insisted he was not worried about the mentality of his squad.
“I wish we were doing an Arsenal documentary right now,” he said.
“Think about the last 48 hours, everything that has been said so far. We are watching the July series and you have to ask yourself: Where are Arsenal? We will all be saying, ‘They are in the bottom three’.”
“What are you talking about? Enjoy where we are as a club. I think it would be strange if someone didn’t want to do it.”
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Arsenal faced an attack ahead of their trip to Manchester City.
Despite advancing to the semi-finals of the Champions League for the second time in a row, it is clear that Arsenal are still struggling in front of goal.
Throughout Wednesday’s match, the Gunners had 0.64 xG. This lack of creativity could still help City close the gap on the Premier League race.
“It’s always going to be difficult,” Arteta said. TNT Sports After the second leg against Sporting.
“There were moments in the first half when we should have scored. There are moments where we need to improve a lot with the ball to have more control and dominance and finish more of the action.”
Viktor Gyokeres was sent off ahead of a difficult night in a match against his former club. The striker has scored twice in his last four appearances but has had just 14 touches throughout the competition.
When asked by a Portuguese journalist why he replaced Gyoqueres early, Arteta said:
“For Viktor (Gyokeres), we thought the game needed something different. Another type of number nine who connects and creates more. There was no space to run and we fell in love with that.”
