As they prepare for the Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday, Arteta emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus amidst external pressures regarding their late-season performance.

Arteta's Perspective on Losses

Arteta has been emphasizing to his squad the need to embrace their recent losses in the FA Cup and the English League Cup. He believes that by reflecting on these experiences, the team can enhance their performance in the ongoing Premier League and Champions League.

"What you have to be is clear," he stated. "Instead of panic, understand if that happens why it happened, and bring clarity. And when you analyze that and you accept that you will be better. That's it, and that's the thing that we have to do."

He further encouraged his players to "feel that pain, feel that emotion, and use it to be better and to improve," expressing confidence that the team would demonstrate their growth in the upcoming match.

Player Availability and Team Dynamics

Arteta received positive news regarding the fitness of defender Gabriel Magalhães, midfielder Declan Rice, and forward Leandro Trossard, who are set to participate in the match against Sporting. These players were among ten Arsenal athletes who missed international duties due to various issues.

While Bukayo Saka and Jurriën Timber did not travel to Portugal, Arteta is optimistic about their recovery in time for the Premier League match against Bournemouth on Saturday, where Arsenal holds a nine-point lead over Manchester City.

Insights from Viktor Gyökeres

Arteta mentioned that he consulted striker Viktor Gyökeres for insights on Sporting, the club where Gyökeres first gained recognition as a player. "Of course I did (ask him for insights), just to understand the dynamic, the culture here, and to have more information about them that we can use in our favour," Arteta remarked.

He acknowledged Sporting's remarkable qualities and their impressive home record, highlighting the strategic advantage of leveraging Gyökeres's knowledge.

Arteta also noted Gyökeres's excitement about returning to Sporting, saying, "He's full of gratitude for his time here. (You can tell from) the way he talks about the club, the players, the staff, everybody around the club. The experience that he had in Sporting was such an important part of his journey."