Arteta Urges Arsenal to Be Clinical for “Statement” Win Against Sporting

Mikel Arteta has expressed his desire for Arsenal to secure a “statement” victory against a high-performing Sporting side in the Champions League on Tuesday. The Gunners currently sit 12th in the Champions League standings, three points adrift of second-placed Sporting, who have accumulated 10 points from their initial four fixtures. Arsenal has been unable to score in their last four Champions League away matches, suffering defeat in three of these encounters, including a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan earlier this month. “It’s certainly something we have to improve,” said Arteta. “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 – but the reality is that you have to make it happen and we didn’t.” He continued, “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.” He further stated: “It is a great challenge to come here and make a statement and show we are capable against this kind of opponent. Be ourselves and win the game.” Sporting’s most recent fixture in the competition resulted in a 4-1 triumph over Manchester City, occurring during their final games before Ruben Amorim’s departure for Manchester United. Amorim’s successor, Joao Pereira, commented: “Before the game against Manchester City, the players were already thinking that they could reach the play-offs.” He added, “The victory against City is a morale booster, but it only gives us three points. Against Arsenal it’s a little different. I think we’re ready.”