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Arteta calls for Arsenal resilience after Champions League exit, eyes EPL glory

Arsenal players applaud their fans after the game © Arsenal

By Rama Mohammed | 18 Apr 2024

The Gunners are second on the EPL log, two points behind leaders Manchester City after 32 rounds of games

Arsenal's hopes for a Champions League semi-final appearance were dashed as Bayern Munich secured a 1-0 victory in the second leg, sealing a 3-2 aggregate win with Joshua Kimmich's decisive header.

The defeat was a bitter blow for Arteta and his squad, who had aspirations of lifting Arsenal to their first Champions League title. Despite an impressive run that saw them atop the Premier League and into the quarter-finals, Arsenal stumbled, drawing 2-2 with Bayern in the first leg before suffering a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa in the league.

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Arteta now faces the challenge of rallying his team's morale for a final push in the Premier League title race.

"We were very close, that is the reality. It's painful, but we have to learn from this," Arteta remarked. "We had our moments, especially in the first half." He said post-match.

He acknowledged the fine margins in elite competition, pinpointing avoidable goals in the first leg as pivotal moments.

While Arsenal acquitted themselves well in their Champions League return, Arteta admitted the lack of experience in the latter stages proved decisive against perennial contenders Bayern.

Arsenal must quickly shift focus to the Premier League, where they sit in second place, two points behind leaders Manchester City. With six games remaining, including a crucial clash against Wolves, Arteta urged his team to embrace the opportunity to secure Arsenal's first league title in two decades.

"We have six games to go and we are two points behind City," Arteta emphasized. "We have to go through the pain tonight, and tomorrow get up and come with the same attitude that we came with here."