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Mikel Arteta has defended Premier League sides against criticism about their European performances, arguing that the domestic dominance enjoyed by PSG and Bayern Munich allows them to field fresher players in crucial Champions League matches.
The Arsenal manager was responding to questions about whether English clubs can match the quality displayed by their continental rivals, particularly after Bayern and PSG’s spectacular semi-final first leg encounter on Tuesday.
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Freshness key to European success
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“When I look at that game, Bayern v PSG, it’s probably the best game I ever witnessed in the quality of two teams and especially the individual quality the players delivered, I have never seen something like this,” [Arteta told The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/01/psg-and-bayern-in-different-world-to-tired-premier-league-teams-says-arteta).
“But when I look at the amount of minutes and the freshness of those players, then I’m not surprised. To deliver that much quality you have to be very fresh and the difference in the leagues and the way they compete is night and day.”
The Spanish coach emphasized that comparisons between Premier League and other European leagues lack proper context, given the contrasting competitive landscapes. “We are comparing two different worlds. You cannot compare one part of that without any context around it, I don’t think it’s fair.”
Arsenal face injury concerns
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Arteta’s comments come as Arsenal prepare for a crucial period that could define the club’s season. The Gunners face Fulham on Saturday, sandwiched between their Champions League semi-final legs against Atlético Madrid, with the tie currently locked at 1-1.
Player availability remains a concern for the north London side, with Martin Ødegaard likely to miss the Fulham clash due to a knee problem. This adds to existing absences, with Kai Havertz and Jurriën Timber already sidelined.
“Have every player available and fit at their best,” Arteta said when asked about lessons from previous title races. “C’est fini. With that, I’m a happy man. That’s the most important thing.”
Arsenal could move six points clear of Manchester City with victory over Fulham, though Guardiola’s side would retain two games in hand. The manager hopes Havertz will return for Tuesday’s second leg against Atlético at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite the challenges, Arteta struck a defiant tone about Arsenal’s ambitions across multiple competitions. “We know what’s at stake. We need to push it. Everybody has to lead himself and take ownership of the moment because the impact that you can have in the moment now is going to define the history of the club.”
Arsenal have been fighting on four fronts throughout what Arteta described as a “draining campaign,” highlighting the physical demands placed on Premier League squads compared to their European counterparts who can rotate more freely in less competitive domestic leagues.