Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta believes that the upcoming Champions League last 16 first leg against PSV Eindhoven will generate a ‘different energy’ for his squad, especially following their recent downturn in the Premier League.
The London side has arrived in the Netherlands with their aspirations of securing the Premier League title teetering on the edge, currently sitting 13 points behind dominant league leaders Liverpool.
“This match undoubtedly brings a unique energy, keeping everyone alert,” Arteta remarked to the media on the eve of the fixture at Philips Stadion.
“What lies ahead is a team that has eliminated Juventus. We’ve faced them numerous times in recent years, so we are well aware of the challenge that awaits.”
Arsenal faced PSV in the group stages last season, securing a resounding 4-0 victory at home while managing a 1-1 stalemate away.
However, they are reminded that the last encounter against the 25-time Dutch champions in the knockout stages of the Champions League ended in disappointment, with a 1-0 defeat away followed by a 1-1 draw at The Emirates Stadium.
In recent weeks, Arsenal have been without their recognised forwards, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli joining long-term absentees Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus in the treatment room. They have struggled to find the back of the net, failing to score in their last two Premier League matches, including a 1-0 loss to West Ham United and a goalless draw with Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
PSV have also been inconsistent, managing just one win in their last seven Eredivisie outings, leaving them behind their rivals Ajax Amsterdam.
Nevertheless, Arteta insists that the recent form of either team will not impact the match on Tuesday.
“No matter the league situation, once you reach this stage of the Champions League, it’s a different scenario, and you can feel that in the atmosphere and energy,” the Spaniard explained to reporters.
“You play and it’s all or nothing, which creates a sense of urgency that surely brings out the best in you.
“Results in football can fluctuate; what matters to me is how they perform; concentrating on their weaknesses and how we can exploit them.”
Arsenal’s former Ajax player Jurrian Timber described the encounter as a chance to shift the current narrative.
“This is an incredible competition to participate in, and we did exceptionally well in the league phase,” he said. “I don’t view our recent issues as a negative; we’ve persevered through a lot.
“This is a challenge for us, and we must embrace it.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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