Mikel Arteta has emphasized that Arsenal will maintain their composure following consecutive defeats, marking the first time this season they have lost back-to-back matches. He acknowledged the necessity for the team to re-establish their identity in order to steer their season back on course.
The Gunners, currently leading the Premier League, are set to face Sporting in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon on Tuesday. This matchup comes after their aspirations for an unprecedented quadruple were dashed by losses to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and to Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup. Injuries have sidelined Bukayo Saka and Jurriën Timber, although Arteta received positive news with Gabriel Magalhães, Declan Rice, and Leandro Trossard expected to participate against the Portuguese champions.
The Arsenal manager faced criticism for not fielding his strongest lineup against Southampton but urged for a broader perspective, highlighting the remarkable achievement of winning all eight league stage matches in this season’s competition.
“It’s essential to remain calm,” Arteta stated. “Instead of succumbing to panic, we need to understand the reasons behind what occurred and provide clarity. By analyzing and accepting the situation, we can improve. That’s our focus moving forward.”
When questioned about his team’s capability to handle pressure, Arteta responded affirmatively, stating, “No, I am not worried. We must embrace the opportunities we have with enthusiasm, preparing ourselves effectively and concentrating on the present and our responsibilities. Our identity is clear, and that is what has propelled us to this point.”
He further added, “Identity is shaped by actions and behaviors rather than mere words or aspirations. We possess numerous attributes that define us as a team and a club.”
David Raya is anticipated to take the field against Sporting after Kepa Arrizabalaga started in the recent losses to City and Southampton. Raya remarked on the situation, “It’s just part of football—sometimes you’re selected, and sometimes you’re not. Now that those matches are behind us, we need to channel the pain from those experiences as motivation for the remainder of the season.”
This marks Arsenal’s third consecutive appearance in the quarter-finals of Europe’s top club tournament, and they carry positive memories from their last visit to the stadium, where they secured a 5-1 victory during last season’s league stage against Sporting, then managed by Joã0 Pereira. Although Pereira was dismissed shortly thereafter, Sporting, having recently overturned a 3-0 deficit against Bodø/Glimt with a remarkable 5-0 win in the second leg, are in strong form under Rui Borges and are aiming for a spot in the semi-finals for the first time.
Borges, when asked if this was an advantageous time to face Arsenal, expressed skepticism. “I don’t subscribe to that notion,” he said. “Arsenal is an exceptional team that always strives to win. Their recent losses will likely make them more focused and determined to showcase their skills, which could present a greater challenge for us. We focus on our own capabilities and believe that we can achieve something remarkable tomorrow, something unprecedented for Sporting.”
