Arteta urges Arsenal stars to be “ruthless” as he admits Champions League flaw

Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal need to improve their Champions League travel sickness to be real contenders.

Incredibly, Arsenal have not won in Europe since their group stage victory over Sevilla in October 2023. That's just one win in eight Champions League games and they have failed to score in their last four away games.

Gunners boss Arteta also pointed out that Arsenal's form and season is really taking off after last November's international break and hopes a morale-boosting win in Lisbon can have a similar effect. They reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League last season and are seen as one of the favorites, but Arteta quickly realizes they need to improve their away form.

Arteta said: “It's definitely something we need to improve. Not all games have been the same. It is true that within those matches there were matches in which we had already qualified.

“One thing that is very true is that we need to improve those results and find ways to understand what is missing. Sometimes it was about performance, sometimes about other aspects. That is the next step we have to take as a team.

“We took the right steps and, looking back at the way we played against Inter, a team so dominant in their league, we reached the final of the Champions League, which they should have won. To play that game and dominate.

“But the reality is you have to let it happen and we didn't do that. Making those steps is what we need to do now. Be ruthless, be efficient in the opposition box and do what we need to do to get the three points from here.

“I wouldn't say it's the most important thing, but the efficiency we've shown inside the penalty area at this level with the chances we can normally generate in the Champions League is not at the level needed to win consistently . .

“I always say that the Champions League is about boxes, small margins and details. You have to give all these people the right to win, especially when you're not at home. We still have 32 games until the next international break and the most important thing is that we have almost everyone fit again. That's important if you're looking for momentum and big results.”

Arsenal face an in-form Sporting Lisbon team who defeated Manchester City 4-1 in their last Champions League match against English opposition. They have since lost manager Ruben Amorim and Joao Pereira has moved on, but they can still boast coveted striker Viktor Gyokeres who hit a hat-trick in that City game.

But Arteta was reluctant to even mention his name, which perhaps told its own story, because Arsenal were so heavily linked with him as a potential striker target. Arteta added: “I would like to talk about the team, about the coaches and how phenomenal they have been. The run they're on is incredible. I understand the question, but they have many individual qualities. And yes, they have great players at that specific position.”

Arsenal welcome back a fit-again Kieran Tierney to their squad and while the Scottish full-back is unlikely to get minutes, he will be on the bench and remains a popular figure. Arteta added: “It's great news that he's back, he's been training with the team and he's at the level to compete.”