Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hailed the team's progression to the Champions League semifinals as a significant morale boost, despite struggling to find form against Sporting on Wednesday. The Gunners secured a 0-0 home draw in the second leg of their quarterfinal tie, thanks to Kai Havertz's decisive goal in Lisbon.
This milestone marks the first time in the club's history that they have reached consecutive semifinals in the competition. However, the team's performance was underwhelming, with only one shot on target. Arteta acknowledges that advancing in the Champions League will have a positive impact on their upcoming Premier League game against Manchester City, saying, 'It's a massive boost.
To be in the semifinals of the Champions League is extremely tough. We are going to enjoy it because we deserve it.' The team's recent dip in form has raised concerns about their mental strength, but Arteta remains confident. He emphasizes the importance of appreciating the team's current position, stating, 'I wish that we were doing the Arsenal documentary now...
Enjoy where we are as a club. If someone doesn't want to, I think it's so weird.' Arteta also recognizes the challenges posed by the English league and schedule, noting, 'There is a reason why we are the only English team in the competition, because this league and this schedule takes the hell out of you.' Despite reaching the semifinals, Arsenal continues to struggle with scoring, with a 0.64 xG across the entire game on Wednesday.
Arteta attributes this to the team's inability to create scoring opportunities, saying, 'It was always going to be [difficult]... We had moments in the first half where we probably should have scored.' The team's striker, Viktor Gyokeres, was substituted early in the game, with Arteta explaining that the game required a different type of player to create more scoring chances.