Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has demanded that his players produce a ‘statement win’ when they face-off against Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Speaking in a prematch press conference, the Spanish coach expects much improvement from his team and demands a victory to boost their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages.
“It’s certainly something we have to improve,” said Arteta.
“I think we have made the right steps and, looking back with the way we played against Inter, which is a team that has been so dominant in their league, reached the final of the Champions League which they should have won, to play and dominate that game.”
Arsenal were beaten in their last Champions League match when they suffered a 1-0 loss at the San Siro to Inter Milan. They are yet to win away from home in the competition this season with their other trip away from home ending in a goalless draw with Atalanta.
“Making those steps is what we have to do next. Be ruthless, be efficient in the opposition box and do what we have to do to take the three points away from here.
“But the reality is that you have to make it happen and we didn’t”, he continued.
The Gunners are 12th in the new 36-team competition and Arteta is wary of the Sporting Lisbon side that defeated Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City 4-1 few weeks ago.
“That is a great challenge that we have, to come here and make a statement and show we are capable against this kind of opponent. Be ourselves and win the game”, he added.
Arsenal face Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday at the Jose Alvalade stadium hoping to secure a first away UCL victory of the season.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
