Mikel Arteta is expecting big performances from his players in their first Champions League game of the season, as the Gunners face Napoli later today in an interesting contest.
Arsenal have some of the best players on the continent in their squad and have repeatedly proved themselves to be one of the strongest sides in domestic and international competitions. The Gunners have performed well and have been tipped to make further progress in the Champions League after reaching the final of the competition last season.
Most people have high expectations of Arsenal this season, but the Gunners have to do their talking on the pitch. They cannot afford to underestimate any of the teams they face, particularly when beginning their European campaign away from home.
Arteta wants Arsenal to start strongly
Napoli have not been particularly successful in Europe, even when they have been Italian champions, but Arsenal cannot underestimate them. The Gunners will need to give their best at the Maradona Stadium if they are to begin their Champions League campaign positively.
Arsenal have already shown their quality domestically this season, but the Champions League presents a different challenge. Arteta will therefore want his players to approach the match with the intensity and focus required to compete at the highest level.
The Gunners’ manager has also highlighted the importance of starting the campaign well. Arsenal will hope their performance in Naples can set the tone for another strong Champions League run.
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Arsenal must deliver on the pitch
As he leads his side into the match, Arteta has spoken about the game and said to Arsenal Media:
“I’m really excited. We know what this competition means to all of us, the experience of last year as well, so we need to start with the first game in a really, really tough place, but really excited to start the campaign.
“Start well tomorrow; that’s the only thing we can do. Start by putting in a big performance tomorrow to increase the probability of winning the game.”
Arteta’s comments underline the importance of Arsenal producing a strong performance from the outset. The Gunners will now look to translate their domestic form into European football and begin their Champions League campaign with a statement showing of their quality.
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