Arteta urges pure fire as Arsenal eye Champions League semis

London – Mikel Arteta has told his Arsenal squad to channel “pure fire” when they walk into Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting, insisting that fearless football is the only route to the semi-finals and a step closer to an historic double.

Speaking ahead of the decisive tie, the Arsenal manager said the squad’s hunger has not dimmed in spite of mounting injury problems and recent domestic setbacks. With the Premier League title race still mathematically alive and European glory beckoning, Arteta believes the next 90 minutes can define the club’s season.

“We are driven by pure fire,” Arteta stressed. “The players know what is at stake and they are ready to show it.”

The Gunners carry the advantage into the return fixture but the manager warned against complacency, demanding complete focus against a Sporting side that has already eliminated a heavyweight this campaign. Arsenal’s medical room remains busy, yet Arteta insists available personnel possess the quality and mentality required to finish the job.

Victory would propel Arsenal into the last four of Europe’s elite competition for the first time since the 2008-09 season and keep alive dreams of lifting two major trophies in May. Arteta’s message to his squad was simple: seize the moment without hesitation.