Mikel Arteta expressed confidence in Arsenal's ability to overcome recent setbacks, stating he has 'zero fear' as they face Manchester City after three consecutive losses. He emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunity ahead, including a crucial Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon.
A defiant Mikel Arteta has declared himself "on fire" and holding "zero fear" as he launched a passionate defence of his Arsenal side, whose season teeters on the brink of a devastating collapse.
The Gunnersâ campaign faces a critical juncture after a third consecutive domestic defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday opened the Premier League title door for Manchester City, whom they are set to face in a pivotal match this weekend.
Before their crucial encounter with their title rivals, Arsenal will host Sporting Lisbon in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at the Emirates, guarding a slender one-goal lead from last weekâs fixture.
The club has finished league runners-up for the past three seasons and has not secured a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup â the sole silverware of Artetaâs six-and-a-half-year tenure. This history has fostered a growing sense of deja vu among a nervous Arsenal fanbase.
However, in a bid to calm supporters, Arteta insisted: "There is no fear. Pure fire. Thatâs it. Me, the first one. Pure fire. Thatâs what I want to see on the players, on the people, on myself. Fire! Iâm on fire. Iâm on fire. Thatâs it. Nothing else.
Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game against Sporting last week (PA Wire)
Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game against Sporting last week (PA Wire)
âIâm dreaming so much. Iâve done so much to be in this position because I know how this club was. Iâve done so much and this is beauty."
He continued: "We are in April, we have an incredible opportunity ahead of us. Letâs confront it, letâs go for it by really putting absolutely everything into it. I want to get it done for all these people that have been in this journey with us. And because they deserve it, because itâs been unbelievable. Thatâs what is driving me every single day.
âI have zero fear. Fear I had when, âoh, if we donât get this done, this club, I donât know what is going to happen.â That was fear. Now, thereâs no fear. Itâs just purpose, fire, direction and conviction that weâre going to do it."
Asked if his players shared this intensity, Arteta affirmed: "Yes, big time."
Arsenal entered last month with ambitions of an unprecedented quadruple, but their Carabao Cup final loss against City was followed by a shock FA Cup exit to Southampton. Saturdayâs defeat against Bournemouth now allows City the chance to reduce the gap at the top to three points â with a game in hand â should they beat the Gunners on Sunday.
The club has endured a 22-year wait for a top-flight trophy, and has never won the Champions League or reached its semi-finals for two consecutive seasons. Arteta, whose side lost to Paris St Germain in last termâs semis, acknowledged the scale of the challenge.
Several Arsenal players are fitness doubts ahead of Wednesdayâs game (PA Wire)
Several Arsenal players are fitness doubts ahead of Wednesdayâs game (PA Wire)
"What we are trying to achieve is difficult, is challenging, and is bumpy and itâs supposed to be like this," he said.
"I said to the players, âguys, we are trying to do something that hasnât been done in the history of the club in 140 years. So that tells you the difficulty of what you are doingâ. For other clubs, thatâs the daily meal. For us, no. So we value a lot where we are.
âWe have the opportunity tomorrow to go to the semi-finals. We are competing to win the Premier League and we are in a really strong position. So the team is doing something incredible because itâs never been done before."
Injury concerns also loom, with Declan Rice facing a late fitness test after missing training on Tuesday, while Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber â also absent from the open session â are both considered doubts.
Q&A
What did Mikel Arteta say about Arsenal's recent performance?
Mikel Arteta declared he has 'zero fear' and is 'on fire,' urging his players to embrace the challenge despite three consecutive domestic defeats.
How does Arsenal's recent defeat affect their Premier League title chances?
Arsenal's third consecutive loss has opened the title race for Manchester City, making their upcoming match against City crucial for their title hopes.
What is at stake for Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals?
Arsenal will host Sporting Lisbon in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, holding a slender one-goal lead from the first leg.
When was the last time Arsenal won a trophy under Mikel Arteta?
Arsenal last secured a trophy under Mikel Arteta in 2020, winning the FA Cup, and has since finished as league runners-up for three consecutive seasons.
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