Sputtering Arsenal face test of character in Sporting clashArsenal aim to bounce back against Sporting Lisbon after their shock FA Cup exit at SouthamptonLONDON - Mikel Arteta has urged shell-shocked Arsenal to embrace a major test of their character as they seek to recover from a pair of devastating defeats in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final at Sporting Lisbon. Arteta is convinced Arsenal can handle the mounting pressure of bidding to win the Champions League for the first time, while aiming to finally lift the Premier League trophy after a 22-year wait. "We're going to say difficulty when we're going to play the Champions League quarter-finals and the run-up for the league. Arsenal will also take heart from their 5-1 rout of Sporting in the Champions League group stage last season, when their Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres was playing for the Portuguese club. Gyokeres endured a difficult start to his first season with Arsenal following his move to the Emirates Stadium last year.

Source: Bangkok Post April 06, 2026 13:56 UTC