Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal squad to address their inconsistent European away performances when they face a dynamic Sporting side on Tuesday night. The Gunners have managed just one victory in their last eight continental away fixtures, a statistic Arteta acknowledges must improve. The trip to Sporting, who are second in the table after a strong start to the Champions League, could significantly impact Arsenal's chances of avoiding a playoff for the last 16 in February. Arsenal have failed to score in their last four Champions League away matches, and despite a promising display against Inter, Arteta is aware that this trend cannot continue.
"Not all the games have been the same," Arteta said when questioned about Arsenal's away struggles. "We need to enhance our results and identify what has been lacking. Sometimes it's been performance, other times it's been other factors. That's the next step we must take as a team." He emphasized the need for ruthlessness and efficiency in the opposition box to secure away victories.
Arteta highlighted that his team has not been clinical enough on the road. "Our efficiency in the box at this level, given the chances we typically create, is not at the level required for consistent wins. The Champions League is about small margins and details. You must get all of those right to win, especially away from home." Sporting made headlines with their 4-1 victory over Manchester City, a result that also marked a poignant farewell for Ruben Amorim, who is set to join Manchester United. Viktor Gyökeres' hat-trick that night was impressive, though Arteta refrained from discussing the forward's individual threat.
Arsenal and Sporting have recent history, having met in a Europa League round of 32 tie in March 2023, which Sporting won on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Kieran Tierney has a slim chance of making his first Arsenal appearance since August 2023 after recovering from a hamstring injury and being included in the squad. João Pereira, who has taken over from Amorim, revealed they exchanged well-wishes before the game.
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