Mikel Arteta has hailed Arsenal's advancement to the Champions League semifinals as a significant morale boost, despite the team's lackluster performance against Sporting on Wednesday. The Gunners secured a 0-0 home draw in the second leg of their quarterfinal tie, with Kai Havertz's solitary goal in Lisbon proving sufficient to book their spot in the last four.
This historic achievement marks the first time Arsenal has reached consecutive Champions League semifinals. However, their recent struggles were evident, as they managed just one shot on target throughout the match. When asked about the potential impact of this Champions League progress on their upcoming Premier League game against Manchester City, Arteta expressed his confidence, stating that it would undoubtedly have a positive effect. 'To be in the Champions League semifinals is extremely tough.
We are going to enjoy it because we deserve it,' he said. Despite Arsenal's current dip in form, which has raised concerns about their ability to maintain their nerve as the season draws to a close, Arteta remains unconcerned about his squad's mental resilience. He emphasized the importance of appreciating the team's current position, highlighting the significant progress they have made.
Arteta also acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in their ability to create scoring opportunities, which has been a persistent issue. The Gunners' struggles in front of goal were evident on Wednesday, with a mere 0.64 xG throughout the game.
Arteta attributed this to the demanding nature of the Premier League schedule, which he believes takes a significant toll on the team. He substituted Viktor Gyokeres early in the game, citing the need for a different type of striker who could create more link-up opportunities and help the team dominate the game.