"It's a big punch in the face, that's what I said to the boys, and now it's about how we react to that," said a disappointed Arteta. Arsenal, on course for an unprecedented quadruple just weeks ago, have now suffered three straight defeats in domestic competitions. They remain favourites for their first Premier League title since 2004 following three consecutive second-placed finishes. "And then the other ones, they need to stand up, me the first one, and embrace this challenge and go for it. Arsenal face Sporting Lisbon in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday after a 1-0 win in the first leg.

Source: Punch April 11, 2026 21:19 UTC