Arteta gives passionate display at press conference

[PA Media]

There is no doubt that some Arsenal supporters have felt some doom and gloom in recent days; the defeat by Bournemouth, Manchester City winning at Chelsea and then news on Tuesday morning that Declan Rice could miss Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting.

Arteta must have sensed that too as he gave one of the most passionate displays I have seen in one of his press conferences since his arrival in December 2019.

"Fire. I am on fire. That's it! Nothing else," the manager said. "I am so driven. I have done so much to be in this position because I know what this club is worth.

"Now there is zero fear. It's purpose, fire and conviction that we're going to do it."

They were passionate words that were echoed by midfielder Eberechi Eze, who added: "The boss speaks well, he is passionate, and you can see the fire he has in his eyes and mind, and that has been pushed throughout the whole club.

"Regardless of what people are saying outside, it is about us and what we do, and that is all that matters."

Arsenal can make back-to-back Champions League semi-finals for the first time in the club's history on Wednesday.

Then on Sunday they travel to Manchester City, where Arteta will be hoping he can reignite Arsenal's season after their recent struggles.