Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal are 'hungry' to end their trophy drought, as the club faces a defining week in both the Premier League and Champions League. The Gunners take on Fulham in a crucial league fixture before hosting Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Arteta's Honest Admission
The Arsenal manager acknowledged that the priority is simply getting results, rather than producing the kind of free-flowing football seen in the other semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. Arteta described that match as 'probably the best game I ever witnessed' but pointed out that the key difference is the freshness of players, with Arsenal suffering from a gruelling injury list and fatigue from a long Premier League season.
Arteta said: 'Hunger. Hunger to win. That's it. To compete, to prepare and to achieve the goal that we set at the start of the season. Focus on Fulham and hunger. Hunger to play, hunger to compete, hunger to win, hunger to be closer to achieving our dream.'
Learning from Past Mistakes
Arsenal have a history of slipping up in between European ties. In 2023/24, they lost to Aston Villa between the two legs against Bayern Munich, a defeat that cost them the title. Last season, they lost to Bournemouth in between the semi-final legs against PSG. The same happened last month when they lost to Bournemouth in the middle of their quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon.
Arteta insisted that the team is focused solely on Fulham: 'We have prepared in the best possible way since the moment that the final whistle went in Atletico. We've done everything that we possibly can to give ourselves the best chance to recover, to bring the right energy, to prepare the game in the right way.'
Injury Concerns
Arsenal's injury list is mounting. Kai Havertz is hoping to face Atletico but is out against Fulham. Jurrien Timber is sweating on playing again this season due to a groin injury that has prevented him from stepping up his training. Martin Odegaard is a worry after his lingering knee issue flared up again.
Arteta commented on the difference in fitness levels between Arsenal and other top European sides: 'When I look at the amount of minutes and the freshness of those players, then I'm not surprised. To deliver that much quality you have to be very fresh and the difference in the leagues and the way they compete is night and day.'
Odegaard's Importance
Arteta also highlighted the importance of captain Martin Odegaard for the run-in: 'He is the captain for a reason. He has a personality, an aura and a way to conduct and raise the standards which is great to see. He is a player who brings us so much energy to the team as well because he's always at it, he is always so focused, always very demanding.'
Arsenal remain in contention for both the Premier League and Champions League, but they cannot afford another slip-up against Fulham if they are to keep their dreams alive.
