Arteta celebrates 'significant achievement' as Arsenal advances to Champions League semis, despite lingering concerns

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hailed his team's progression to the Champions League semi-finals as a 'massive boost', despite a lackluster performance against Sporting on Wednesday. The Gunners secured a 0-0 home draw, with Kai Havertz's goal in the first leg proving decisive. This marks the first time in the club's history that they have reached consecutive semi-finals in the competition. However, Arteta acknowledges that his team was far from their best, managing only one shot on target. When asked about the potential impact on their upcoming Premier League match against Manchester City, Arteta expressed confidence that the Champions League success would have a positive effect. 'To be in the semi-finals of the Champions League is extremely tough. We are going to enjoy it because we deserve it,' he said. Arteta also addressed concerns about his team's mental strength, stating that he is not worried and instead wants his players to appreciate their current position. 'I wish that we were doing the Arsenal documentary now,' he said, referencing the team's unexpected success. 'You can think of the last 48 hours. Everything that has been said. We are watching the series in July, and then we have to ask ourselves a question. Where are Arsenal placed? All of us would say, 'They are in the bottom three.' What are we talking about? Enjoy where we are as a club.' Arteta attributed the team's success to their resilience, noting that the Premier League schedule 'takes the hell out of you'. Despite reaching the semi-finals, Arsenal still struggles with scoring, with a 0.64 xG across the entire game on Wednesday. Arteta acknowledged the need for improvement, stating that 'there's value in what these players have done' and that they need to 'improve things, that's for sure'. The team's inability to create scoring opportunities could potentially harm their chances in the Premier League, where they face a crucial match against Manchester City. Arteta expressed his desire for the team to 'have more control, dominance, and finish many more actions' in the future.