Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to be 'efficient' again in front of goal in UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg v PSV
Published 12/03/2025 at 10:00 GMT
Mikel Arteta wants more of the same from his side heading into their UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg against PSV Eindhoven. Martin Odegaard's brace plus a goal each for Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Califiori sealed a 7-1 win in Eindhoven last week. The Spaniard is hoping for the same efficiency in front of goal on Wednesday night.
Arteta demands Arsenal show no complacency in ‘important’ game against PSV
Video credit: TNT Sports
Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to be "efficient" again in front of goal ahead of their UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg against PSV Eindhoven.
The Gunners hold a huge aggregate lead following a 7-1 mauling of the Dutch champions last week.
However, Arteta was understandably guarded against complacency when previewing the match at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday – live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Asked if he had ever been in this position as a player or manager between two legs, he told TNT Sports: "No, it's different, but we know it's just a game and a very important one to play tomorrow.
"We were exceptional in both boxes [in the first leg]. The game could've taken a different direction if they had scored the first goal and possibly with the second yellow card [for Myles Lewis-Skelly, not issued] as well.
"Everything went our way in that game. We were very, very efficient and we have to make sure that happens again."
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Highlights: Arsenal complete astonishing first-leg rout against PSV
Video credit: TNT Sports
Despite the massive advantage, Arteta said he is refusing to look too far ahead.
He continued: "It's exciting, we love the Champions League, and we have to fight so hard to earn the right to play in this competition.
"We are in a really good position to go into the next round, and we have to make sure we do the business.
"What's winnable is tomorrow's game. We cannot look any further than that. We dream to be in the position that we are in now."
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The Spaniard was then quizzed about the prospect of being able to rotate his squad, given the team is in such a commanding position.
"We play the players that we believe is the best team to start, then we will change and make subs and be very clear of what we want to achieve in the game.
"They are a very good side and are very dangerous. They are a team with a coach that creates a lot of headaches.
"When you have to play two games, it's difficult. You don't know the opposition as well and there are a lot of things to adapt to."
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