Mikel Arteta asks Arsenal fans to enjoy the team's position, not criticize
JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal fans to enjoy the team's current position after reaching the Champions League semi-finals amid criticism of their performances.
The Gunners drew 0-0 against Sporting CP on Thursday, April 16, 2026, early morning WIB, to secure a place in the top four and will face Atletico Madrid.
It was the first time in the club's history to appear in the semi-finals of a major European club tournament in a row, but they only managed to take one shot on target and had to rely on their resilience to secure a 1-0 aggregate victory.
Arsenal are also top of the Premier League table, but face lingering questions over their ability to end a six-year trophy drought after losing the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City before being knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship side Southampton at home.
The Gunners have never won the Champions League and aim to lift the English League trophy for the first time in 22 years.
Arteta cited the Amazon documentary "All or Nothing" - which follows the team's journey throughout the 2021/22 season - to suggest there was a disproportionate negative reaction to his side after a run of poor results.
"I hope we can make an Arsenal documentary this season. You can record the last 48 hours and know everything that has been said (about us)."
"But (then) we watched the series in July and we had to ask ourselves. We watched the films and said, okay, where is Arsenal's position?"
"I think we'll all say they're in the bottom three (based on the criticism). So, what are we talking about, guys? Please, enjoy our position as a club."
"If someone doesn't want to do it, let them. We really enjoy it. I feel very grateful for what our players and supporters have done, so thank you," Arteta said, as reported by ESPN.
Meanwhile, Arteta revealed that Declan Rice had exceeded all expectations to play a full game against Sporting despite missing training the day before.
"Declan yesterday, he was very tired. He didn't have a chance to play today. He didn't feel good at all today. He played 94 minutes with his current level of play."
"Every player gives everything to contribute, to give their best and I really appreciate that from the team," Arteta said.
Regardless, Noni Madueke needs to be evaluated ahead of the big trip to Manchester City on Sunday, April 19, 2026 - who are six points behind Arsenal, but have one more game - after being forced off the field in the match against Sporting due to a knee problem.