Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hailed his team's progression to the Champions League semi-finals as a "massive boost" to their morale, despite a lackluster performance against Sporting on Wednesday. The Gunners secured a 0-0 home draw in the second leg of their quarter-final tie, with Kai Havertz's solitary goal in Lisbon proving sufficient to book their place in the last four.
This achievement marks the first time in Arsenal's history that they have reached consecutive semi-finals in the competition. However, their recent dip in form has raised concerns about the team's mental strength, particularly with a crucial Premier League match against Manchester City looming.
Arteta remains confident in his squad's ability to perform under pressure, citing the challenges posed by the Premier League schedule and the team's overall progress. Despite reaching the semi-finals, Arsenal's struggles in front of goal persist, with the team managing just one shot on target during the match. Arteta acknowledges the need for improvement, emphasizing the importance of enjoying their current position and recognizing the value of their achievements.