By Our Correspondent

National News – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called on his team to show resilience as they recover from consecutive defeats in domestic competitions.

The Gunners suffered a 2-1 shock loss to Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals, following a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the League Cup final.

With domestic cup ambitions ended, Arsenal now turn their focus to the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League title race.

The north London club, chasing their first Champions League trophy and aiming to end a 22-year wait for the Premier League, face a critical test against Sporting Lisbon.

Arteta expressed confidence in his squad despite the setbacks, highlighting Arsenal’s strong position in both competitions.

The team leads Manchester City by nine points in the Premier League and travels to Lisbon as favourites for the quarter-final clash.

Arsenal’s Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres has emerged as a key figure, scoring in recent league games and securing Sweden’s World Cup qualification.

However, injuries could hamper the team’s chances, with Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Magalhaes all doubts for the Sporting fixture.

Midfielder Christian Norgaard emphasized the need for positive morale and focus, stating that analyzing mistakes must be followed by preparation for upcoming crucial matches.

Arteta described this phase as a “beautiful period” of the season, urging players to embrace the challenge of high-pressure games.

He also reassured fans that responsibility for recent defeats lies with him, defending his players’ effort and dedication.

Drawing motivation from last season’s 5-1 Champions League group stage victory over Sporting, Arsenal seeks to regain momentum and continue their pursuit of European glory.

With a demanding schedule ahead, including both domestic and continental competitions, Arsenal’s next steps will be crucial in defining their season and legacy under Arteta’s leadership.