The Emirates Stadium will be full for a European knockout game for the first time since the Covid pandemic, as the Gunners take on Sporting for a place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
With the tie finely poised after last week’s 2-2 draw, it promises to be another test of the squad’s new mentality, which those inside the club have stressed as being key to their success.
The Gunners have coped with the pressure of being top of the Premier League, and must now show they can handle the heat of a European knockout tie.
It is also the start of a huge four days for the squad. On Sunday, they can go eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table with victory over Crystal Palace.
Mikel Arteta is determined to continue fighting on two fronts and is expected to name a strong team for this last-16 clash, with Gabriel Jesus pushing for his first start since November. The Brazilian injured his knee playing at the WorldCup, and made his comeback on Sunday for the final 13 minutes of the 3-0 win at Fulham.
This story is from the March 16, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
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This story is from the March 16, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
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