As Arsenal approaches the most important week of his reign, Michael Arteta has instructed them to play with “pure fire.” On Tuesday night, the Gunners take on Sporting Lisbon in an attempt to win the team’s first-ever consecutive Champions League semifinal. On Sunday, Arteta leads his team to the Etihad Stadium to meet rivals Manchester City in a match that might decide the Premier League championship.
The pressure has increased since Arsenal’s mistake against Bournemouth on Saturday, but Arteta told the players and supporters, “No fear, pure fire.” That’s all. “I want the players, the people, and myself to be pure fire. It’s an incredible opportunity. Let’s face it head-on and give it everything we’ve got.
Arteta said, “Fire,” when asked whether there were any nerves. I’m ablaze. That’s all. Nothing more. I have a lot of drive. I’ve put in a lot of work to get here. I am aware of how this club operated. This is stunning.
Arteta expecting changes from Sporting for Arsenal 2nd leg
“There were no surprises last week; it’s clearly an awareness of their quality and the various ways they can harm you, and they are a really, really good side,” Arteta remarked. “We knew that, and they demonstrated it in the first leg, so we know that tomorrow’s game will be extremely difficult.”
“I believe they are constantly striving to be a side that is really dominating when using the ball in the press. They may approach and change that, as they have done in the league, the longer the game lasts in connection to the game’s environment.
They will change that [gameplan] in light of the [first-leg] outcome, and we are prepared for that as well. To win the game, we shall do what is required. It goes without saying that Arsenal just needs a draw in ninety minutes to advance to the semi-finals, but it would be beneficial if the club could “win the game” in addition to the tie.
The Gunners certainly don’t want to be going all out for 90 minutes, much less 120 if Sporting can force extra time in Sunday’s crucial game against Manchester City.
