Arteta Urges Arsenal to Make Champions League Statement Against Sporting

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is calling on his team to make a statement by recording a big win against Sporting in their Champions League opener on Tuesday.

The Gunners ended a run of three games without victory in all competitions with a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday, boosting their confidence. However, they have failed to assert their dominance in the European competition so far, won only two out of four games, and lost their last away game to Inter Milan.

"We have made the right steps, but we didn't execute them," Arteta said, referring to their previous game against Inter. "We have to be ruthless, efficient, and take the three points away from here."

Arteta's team faces a formidable opponent in Sporting, who have won 17 of their last 18 games during Joao Pereira's tenure as manager, with only one draw since the start of the season.

"This is a great challenge for us to come here and make a statement," Arteta added. "We have to be ourselves and win the game."

The inclusion of Kieran Tierney, who has been sidelined since June due to a hamstring injury, adds some strength to the team as they look to overcome Sporting's impressive form.

With their last Champions League match ending in defeat against Inter Milan, Arsenal will aim to bounce back with a statement win at The Algarve Stadium.