Mikel Arteta has hailed Arsenal's progression to the Champions League semi-finals as a significant morale boost, despite the team's struggles in their quarter-final tie against Sporting. The Gunners secured a 0-0 draw at home, with Kai Havertz's earlier goal in Lisbon proving decisive. This achievement marks the first time in the club's history that they have reached consecutive semi-finals in the competition. However, their performance on Wednesday was underwhelming, with the team managing only one shot on target.
When asked if this success would positively impact their upcoming Premier League game against Manchester City, Arteta expressed his confidence, stating that it is a 'massive boost.' The team's recent dip in form has raised concerns about their ability to handle pressure, but Arteta remains optimistic about their mental strength. He emphasized the need to appreciate the team's current position and the challenges they have overcome, particularly in the demanding Premier League schedule. Despite reaching the semi-finals, Arsenal's struggles in front of goal persist, with the team recording a low 0.64 xG in the game against Sporting.
Arteta acknowledged the need for improvement, highlighting moments where the team should have scored and areas where they need to exert more control and dominance. The substitution of Viktor Gyokeres was also addressed, with Arteta explaining that the game required a different type of striker to create more opportunities.