LISBON, Portugal (AFP) – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his side to be “relentless” as they prepare for a crucial Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday. The Gunners have struggled to find success away from home in Europe, with their last win on the road dating back to October 2023 against Sevilla.
Arsenal’s form in their recent away matches has been underwhelming, with the team failing to secure a win or even a goal in their last four European outings. Their 1-0 loss to Inter Milan earlier this month left them languishing in 12th place in the new Champions League standings. Arteta is determined to turn this trend around with a strong performance in Lisbon.
“It’s a situation we have to address,” Arteta said, reflecting on his team’s away form. “Looking back at our game against Inter Milan, we showed we can compete with top-level teams. But we’ve got to convert those moments into results.”
The Spanish coach emphasized the need for his players to be clinical in front of goal and to show more ruthlessness when it matters most. “We need to be efficient, aggressive, and make sure we take the three points,” Arteta added. “This is a massive game for us, and we need to prove we belong at the top level.”
Sporting Lisbon, managed by Joao Pereira after Ruben Amorim’s recent move to Manchester United, will provide a stern test for Arsenal. Pereira has continued the impressive momentum of his predecessor, with Sporting’s recent 4-1 victory over Manchester City proving they are no slouches on the European stage.
“Their form has been extraordinary,” Arteta acknowledged. “It’s clear they have a lot of quality, energy, and ambition. We know we face a serious challenge, but we are ready to make a statement and show our capabilities against a team like this.”
Arsenal’s squad has received a boost with the surprise inclusion of Kieran Tierney, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since June. The Scotland international’s return to fitness after months of rehabilitation adds depth to the squad, and Arteta confirmed that all players are fit and available for selection.
“It’s fantastic to have Kieran back after such a long injury layoff,” Arteta said. “He’s been training well with the team, and if called upon, he’s ready to make an impact. We have a full squad, and that gives us great options heading into this game.”
As Arsenal looks to recover their European form, Arteta knows the importance of securing a win in Lisbon. The Gunners are hungry for success, and a positive result could be the spark they need to kickstart their Champions League campaign.
