Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to play with “pure fire” as they prepare for a decisive week in the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League title race.
Arsenal host Sporting CP on Wednesday, holding a 1-0 first-leg lead from Lisbon, with a place in the semi-finals at stake. They then travel to face their closest title rivals, Manchester City, on Sunday.
The north London side have won only once in their last four matches. Recent defeats in domestic competitions have increased pressure on the club, which last lifted a trophy in the 2020 FA Cup and has not won the league for 22 years.
Speaking before the second leg of the Sporting match, Arteta delivered a direct message to players and supporters.
“No fear, pure fire. That’s it,” he said.
“Pure fire, that’s what I want to see from the players, the people, myself. The opportunity is unbelievable.
“Let’s confront it, let’s go for it and put everything into it.”
Asked about nerves, he added: “Fire. I’m on fire. That’s it. Nothing else. I’m driven so much. I have done so much to be in this position. I know how this club was. This is beauty.
“I see beauty and opportunity. I want to get it done for all the people on the journey with us. That’s what has driven me every day. Zero fear.”
Arsenal’s hopes of a Quadruple have faded after losing the EFL Cup final to City, exiting the FA Cup against Southampton, and suffering a home league defeat to AFC Bournemouth.
Their lead at the top of the table has been cut to six points, with City and Pep Guardiola holding a game in hand.
Forward Eberechi Eze said the squad remains focused despite outside noise.
“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,” he said.
“Regardless of what people are saying outside, it is about us and what we do, and that is all that matters.”
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