Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his team to deliver a clinical performance against Sporting CP in Tuesday’s Champions League clash in Portugal. The Gunners are desperate to snap their four-match winless streak in European away games and climb higher in the new 36-team competition standings.
Following a narrow 1-0 loss to Inter Milan earlier this month, Arsenal sits 12th in the table. While the top eight teams secure automatic qualification to the Round of 16, teams ranked 9th to 24th must battle in a two-legged playoff.
Arteta stressed the need for immediate improvement, particularly in converting opportunities into goals.
“It’s certainly something we have to improve,” Arteta said at a pre-match press conference on Monday. “Looking back at the way we played against Inter, we dominated the game and should have won. But the reality is you have to make it happen, and we didn’t.
“Those steps are what we need to take next — be ruthless and much more efficient in the opposition box.”
Acknowledging Arsenal’s position in the standings, Arteta emphasized the importance of a decisive performance. “We wanted to be higher, but it’s the position we are in right now. We have to play in a way that gives us a chance to win and fight to do it as quickly as possible. Tomorrow is a great opportunity to do that.”
Sporting’s Form Adds to the Challenge
Sporting CP, in contrast, is enjoying a stellar campaign, sitting unbeaten in second place with 10 points. The Portuguese champions stunned Manchester City with a 4-1 victory in their last outing, a result that has shown their quality and team energy.
Arteta acknowledged the threat Sporting poses but also highlighted the opportunity for Arsenal to make a statement. “The run they are on is incredible, which tells you it’s not only about their qualities but their ambition and the energy they have as a team.
“That’s the great challenge we have — to come here tomorrow, make a statement, and show that we are capable against this kind of opponent by being ourselves and winning the game,” Arteta said.
For Arsenal, a victory in Lisbon could be the turning point they need to reinvigorate their European campaign. However, against a high-flying Sporting CP side, the Gunners must deliver on Arteta’s call for ruthlessness to regain confidence and strengthen their position in the competition.
