Arsenal must be ‘ruthless’ to earn statement win at Sporting, says Arteta

Arsenal must be ruthless to secure a win against Sporting and break their negative form away from home in the Champions League, manager Mikel Arteta said ahead of Tuesday's match.

Without a win in their last four European outings, Arsenal arrive in Portugal following a 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan at the San Siro earlier this month.

Arteta's side are currently 12th in the new 36-team Champions League format, with the top eight teams automatically qualifying for the last 16, and the next 16 playing a two-legged play-off to join them.

The Spaniard acknowledged that improving away form is key to his team's chances in Europe's top club competition.

“It's definitely something we need to improve on. We took the right steps and looking back at the way we played against Inter, we dominated the game and we should have won,” Arteta told a press conference on Monday.

“But the reality is you have to let it happen, and we didn't do that. Those steps are what we need to take next: be ruthless and much more efficient in the opposition framework.

“We wanted to be higher in the standings but it is the position we are in now.

“We have to play in a way that gives us the chance to win the match and fight to do it as quickly as possible. Tomorrow we have a great opportunity to do that.”

Departure to Lisbon pic.twitter.com/dguqvnSR6C

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 25, 2024

It will be the seventh meeting between Sporting and Arsenal in European competition. The Portuguese side are still looking for their first win over the Gunners (D4 L2), although each of their last three meetings have ended in draws.

Sporting, who defeated Manchester City 4-1 in their last outing, are having an excellent season and remain unbeaten in second place with 10 points. However, they are now without former manager Ruben Amorim, who has left for Manchester United.

Arteta acknowledged that the Portuguese champions pose a major challenge for Arsenal but also offer a chance for a morale-boosting victory.

“The performance they are putting in is incredible, which tells you that it is not just about their qualities, but also about their ambition and the team energy they have. That is the big challenge we have,” he said.

“To come here tomorrow, make a statement and show that we are capable of being ourselves against these types of opponents and winning the game.”