Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hits back at critics over style of play after Sporting win

Lewis Henderson
Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:39:03 +0000

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hit back at critics over his team's style of play after victory over Sporting Lisbon on aggregate in the Champions League.

The Gunners drew yesterday evening 0-0 at the Emirates Stadium, enough to send them through to the semi-finals after winning 1-0 away from home.

Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid in the next round, who advanced past Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate.

Despite entering the last four, Arteta's side have faced criticism for their style of play. The Gunners boss has now hit back, however, insisting they've done what's required of them.

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Arteta said: "It does, and you have to be better than the opponent. I think we had many periods in the game when we were there, but we didn't score the goal; we didn't finalise the action well enough.

"We have many other things that are very important to get the result that you need in a tie.

"At this moment as well, it's about the way you compete, and when you're going to go and win titles, that's what's going to define the moments. We certainly did that tonight."

Arsenal's victory is the first time in their history that they have reached consecutive semi-finals in the Champions League or European Cup.

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The Spaniard's team are the only English side left in the Champions League, with Bayern Munich facing PSG on the other side of the draw.

"There is a reason why we are the only English team in the competition, because this league and this schedule takes the hell out of you," he added.

"We are not perfect, we need to improve things, that's for sure, and we recognise that. But there's value in what these players have done."

Stand-in captain Declan Rice hailed his team's performance, with the England international completing 90 minutes despite being ill.

He told TNT Sports: "To go back-to-back semi-finals is an amazing achievement for this group. We now want to go one step further than last year and get to the final.

"We just got to a semi-final, it's positivity all the way."

When questioned about Arsenal's style of play, Rice said: "Who cares what people think? All that matters is what this group think, what the manager thinks, and we're in another semi-final.

"We'll keep going. Keep playing well. Keep getting over the line and bring it on. Bring on everything.

"Our record this year has been amazing in all competitions. Like being at any other top club, there's noise with everything.

"But if you don't play well, you have to take it with a pinch of salt and keep moving.

"It's a rollercoaster. Nobody's going to hand you anything in this game. Let's keep going, and what will be will be. Let's keep going strong."

Arsenal's attention turns to Manchester City on Sunday, arguably the Gunners biggest game of the season.