Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to harness the frustration from Bournemouth loss for a strong resurgence against PSG

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta aimed to carry positive energy into Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, but he instead urged his players to channel their frustration following Saturday’s disappointing 2-1 loss at home to Bournemouth.

Declan Rice celebrated his 100th appearance for Arsenal with a well-deserved goal that put the hosts ahead at half-time, as they aimed to solidify their hold on second place in the Premier League.

However, the nearly full-strength Gunners conceded two careless goals within just eight minutes of the second half, courtesy of Dean Huijsen and Evanilson, which derailed Arteta’s plans of heading to Paris on the back of a crucial league win.

Following the first leg at The Emirates, Arsenal are trailing PSG 1-0.

“A positive result would have really helped us build towards Wednesday,” he told reporters. “Instead, what we’ve generated is a lot of rage, frustration, and a sense of discomfort in the stomach.

“We need to ensure we use that on Wednesday to deliver a massive performance in Paris, win the match, and secure our place in the final.”

Arteta made only two changes from the team that faced PSG on Tuesday, with one being full-back Jurrien Timber, who had been substituted in the final moments of the first leg.

Timber was absent from Saturday’s match, and Arteta was cautious when discussing the Dutchman’s potential involvement in the second leg.

When asked about his confidence in Timber’s participation on Wednesday, Arteta remarked: “Confident? At this moment, no, because he wasn’t able to play here, and we have a match in four days.”

Although Arsenal’s selection appeared risky ahead of their most significant game of the season against PSG, who have already claimed the Ligue 1 title and made 10 changes for their 2-1 loss against Strasbourg on Saturday, Arteta insisted he had little option.

After closely contesting for much of the season with the eventual English champions Liverpool, Arsenal now find themselves looking over their shoulders and require six points from their final three Premier League matches to guarantee Champions League football for next season.

The Gunners will face Liverpool next Sunday before hosting Newcastle United the following weekend in what promises to be two challenging fixtures, with Arteta acknowledging that they cannot afford to focus solely on European commitments.

“Mathematically, we are not yet qualified (for next season’s Champions League),” the Spaniard stated. “We haven’t yet earned the right to finish second, so there’s still much work to be done.”