Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal's progression to the Champions League semi-finals is a significant morale booster, despite the team's struggles in their quarter-final tie against Sporting. The Gunners secured a 0-0 home draw in the second leg, with Kai Havertz's 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, Arteta acknowledges that the team's performance was not at its best, with only one shot on target. When asked if advancing in the Champions League would positively impact their upcoming Premier League game against Manchester City, Arteta expressed his confidence, stating that it's a 'massive boost.' Despite recent form dips and concerns about the team's mental strength, Arteta remains optimistic.
He emphasized the importance of enjoying their current position and the value of the players' efforts, recognizing that there is still room for improvement. The team's inability to create scoring opportunities remains a concern, with an xG of 0.64 in the game against Sporting. Arteta attributes this to the demanding nature of the Premier League and the need for improvement in certain areas, such as control, dominance, and finishing. The substitution of Viktor Gyokeres was a tactical decision, aimed at introducing a different type of striker who could create more link-ups and opportunities.