ARTETA DEMANDS “PURE FIRE” AS ARSENAL FACE SPORTING SHOWDOWN.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his players to show “pure fire” as they head
into tonight’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting, insisting
there is “no fear” on his side as they chase European glory.
Arteta said the squad must embrace the pressure, adding: “What we are trying to
achieve is difficult, challenging, bumpy at times. You have to confront it.”
He stressed the importance of ambition, noting Arsenal are “very, very close” to the
next level after reaching the quarter-finals for a third straight season.
The Spaniard called on everyone at the club to raise their intensity, saying: “We have
no fear. Pure fire, that’s what I want to see from the players, the fans, and myself.”
Arteta also highlighted the timing of the run-in, adding, “We are in April with an
incredible opportunity ahead of us. Let’s go for it.”
On team news, he said decisions will be made late, with the fitness of key players
including Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Jurrien Timber still uncertain.