Arsenal shift focus to Champions League after title hopes fade
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta insists his team will continue “fighting to win every game” despite their Premier League title challenge all but ending.
A 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Sunday left Arsenal 15 points behind leaders Liverpool, extending their winless league run to three matches. After finishing as runners-up to Manchester City in the past two seasons, another missed opportunity is a major setback.
However, Arteta’s side is well-placed in the Champions League, holding a commanding 7-1 lead from the first leg of their last-16 tie against PSV Eindhoven. The Gunners host the Dutch club on Wednesday, aiming to confirm their place in the quarter-finals.
“We are going to carry on fighting to win every game,” Arteta said on Tuesday. “The expectations at this club are to reach the highest level and win matches. There’s always room for improvement, and our focus is on execution.”
Despite missing Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz through injury, Arsenal had six different scorers in their emphatic first-leg victory. If they advance, they will face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the next round.
“It’s a competition we have a lot of enthusiasm for,” Arteta added. “We’ve been consistent, and tomorrow we can put ourselves in an exciting position.”
Defender William Saliba remains determined to end Arsenal’s trophy drought, which dates back to the 2020 FA Cup.
“When you’re close and don’t win, it’s sad,” Saliba said. “But with hard work, we’ll take the next step. We all want to win the Champions League.”
(Source: AFP)
