In anticipation of Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League encounter with Dinamo Zagreb, manager Mikel Arteta has urged his squad to concentrate on enhancing their performance. The match is scheduled to take place on Wednesday night and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and via discovery+. A victory against their 25th-placed adversary will allow Arsenal to solidify their position within the top eight of the group stage, a crucial move in their quest to advance further in the tournament.
The Gunners are eager for redemption following a disheartening 2-2 draw against Aston Villa in their previous Premier League outing. Arteta remarked that both the clash against Aston Villa and the one against Manchester United were challenging engagements that did not yield the results they desired. “That’s football; what you produce doesn’t always reflect what happens,” Arteta pointed out, emphasizing the need for focus and the importance of improving their game moving forward.
Addressing the issue of defensive reliability, Arteta acknowledged that the two goals conceded in the Villa match fell well below the club’s established standards. He clarified that while accountability is key, this is a collective concern that requires a united effort from the entire team. “If we do that, with the margins and amount of situations we have, we have to score more,” he added, indicating a decisive need for improvement on both ends of the pitch.
Despite expressing the need for greater results, Arteta took a moment to applaud the resilience and character demonstrated by his team during this challenging segment of the season. When evaluating his squad’s overall performance thus far, he endorsed that they have dealt with the situation admirably, and he openly commended their energy and desire to win games. “Even though the results haven’t been as rewarding in recent matches, they want more, and this is what I love about being the coach,” he remarked, revealing his admiration for the players’ determination on the field.
As Arsenal prepares for Dinamo Zagreb, the potential for a win not only brings the opportunity of clearing the first stage but may also help catalyze the team’s performance for the knockout stages of the Champions League. “I think it’s the moment to capitalise on what we’ve achieved in the last few months,” he stated, highlighting the importance of the upcoming fixture as a major step toward their ultimate goal.
Looking ahead to the special nature of Champions League fixtures, Arteta noted the unique atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium during these encounters. He expressed that the Champions League provides players with a sensational experience that elevates their performance levels. “Playing at the Emirates in the Champions League is a special atmosphere; it’s something unique,” he shared, capturing the essence of what these types of matches bring to the squad.
Turning to individual performances, Arteta expressed enthusiasm regarding Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has emerged as a positive aspect for the club in recent weeks. At just 18 years old, the left-back has shown maturity across 16 appearances this season. Arteta credited the nurturing environment at Arsenal, conducive for developing burgeoning talents like Lewis-Skelly, and highlighted the cultural values being instilled within the team.
Arteta emphasized the significance of this supportive environment, stating, “We have built a culture, a team, a spirit, and individuals that are going to make you better.” He recognized that exposure to the first team is critical in assessing a player’s capabilities and potential development over time—a testament to the emphasis Arsenal places on cultivation and growth.
Furthermore, Arteta showered praise on Leandro Trossard, who recently made an impactful contribution by scoring the winning goal in the North London derby against Tottenham and providing two assists against Aston Villa. Arteta acknowledged Trossard’s ability to create decisive moments that set him apart from other players, noting, “He is starting games and impacting games from the bench—really, really important player for us.”
After the match against Dinamo Zagreb, Arsenal will finalize their Champions League group stage with an away game against Girona on January 29. Fans eager to follow the action can look forward to the extensive coverage of over 500 matches across the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League during the 2024-25 season on TNT Sports, available for streaming on discovery+.
