Mikel Arteta. Photo: Arsenal / X
Arsenal hold a slender advantage heading into the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Portuguese outfit Sporting CP, hoping to make it to consecutive semi finals for the first time in their history.
With Arsenal giving their fans anxiety in the Premier League title race with a weekend loss to Bournemouth, with their lead cut to six points ahead of Manchester City, progress here will help avoid mounting pressure on Mikel Arteta and his squad ahead of an upcoming veritable league title decider against Pep Guardiola’s side.
“No fear. Pure fire. That’s it,” Arteta said of what he wants from his side.
“That’s what I want to see from the players, the people and myself. Go for every opportunity. It’s unbelievable.
“We are in April, an incredible opportunity ahead of us. Let’s confront it and go for it. I am putting everything into it. Fire! I’m on fire! That’s it. Nothing else. I’m dreaming so much.
“I’ve done so much to be in this position. Because I know how this club was. I’ve done so much against anything that I just see beauty, opportunity.
“I want to get it done who have been on this journey with us. They deserve it, it’s unbelievable.
“I have zero fear. I had a fear that, if we didn’t get this done, I don’t know what would happen to the club. Now? It’s just purpose, fire, direction.”
History is on Arsenal’s side; they’ve progresed 17 times from their last 18 European home and away ties after winning away first. They did so courtesy of Kai Havertz’s goal in the first minute of stoppage time.
To overturn this, Sporting will need to become the first Portuguese side in nine attempts to win at the Emirates.
**Date:** Thursday 16 April (Australian time) / Wednesday 15 April (European time)
**Kick-off:** 5am AEST / 8pm local
**Venue:** Emirates Stadium, London
**Broadcast in Australia:** Stan Sport
Sporting 0 – Arsenal 1
By commenting, you agree to our [Commenting Guidelines](https://football360.com.au/privacy)