Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal's progression to the Champions League semifinals is a significant morale booster, despite their struggles against Sporting on Wednesday. The team secured a 0-0 home draw in the second leg of their quarter-final tie, with Kai Havertz's lone goal in Lisbon proving sufficient to book their spot in the last four. This marks the first time in the club's history that they have reached consecutive semifinals in the competition.
However, on Wednesday night, they fell short of their best, managing only one shot on target. Arteta expressed that advancing in the Champions League would have a positive impact on their upcoming Premier League-deciding game against Manchester City, stating it's a 'massive boost.' The team's recent dip in form has raised questions about their ability to hold their nerve as they approach the season's climax.
Arteta remains confident in his squad's mental strength, emphasizing the need to enjoy their current position and acknowledging areas for improvement. Despite reaching the semifinals, Arsenal continues to struggle with goal-scoring, with a 0.64 xG across the entire game on Wednesday. Arteta recognizes the challenges, noting the difficulty of the league and schedule, and the need for improvement, particularly in creating and finishing actions.