Key Takeaways
- Mikel Arteta lit a real fire at Arsenal’s training centre to back his call for “pure fire” against Sporting and Manchester City.
- The Gunners reached the Champions League semi-finals after a 0-0 draw with Sporting, but still need to improve.
- Arsenal have not won the English title for 22 years; Sunday’s trip to City could shape their season.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta turned words into flames this week. He set a small fire on the grass at London Colney while telling his squad to play with “pure fire” in two season-shaping matches.
The stunt came before Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting CP. The game ended goalless, yet the Gunners advanced on aggregate. Next, they travel to Etihad Stadium on Sunday to face Manchester City, the champions and their closest rivals in the Premier League table.
“We look for fresh themes every match,” Arteta explained. “When the players create the idea, I love it even more.”
Arsenal last lifted silverware in 2020, when Arteta led them to the FA Cup in his first season. The club’s league drought stretches back to 2004, so the coach keeps searching for new ways to sharpen minds. Past tricks include bringing a light bulb into the dressing room, hiring pick-pockets to steal phones at dinner, and introducing a pet dog called Win to the squad.
Now Arteta hopes the burning image will drive Arsenal to a priceless win at City and keep their title dream alive.