Mikel Arteta hits back at Arsenal's critics with firm message before Sporting clash

Mikel Arteta hits back at Arsenal's critics with firm message before Sporting clashArsenal are looking to bounce back from back-to-back damaging defeats in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup when they take on Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League quarter finalsCommentsSportJohn Cross Chief Football Writer20:29, 06 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesMikel Arteta has issued a rallying cry to his players(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Getty Images)Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal will not allow “panic” to creep in with their whole season hanging in the balance.‌Gunners boss Arteta says his players are “hungrier than ever” to save their season from collapse ahead of their Champions League quarter final showdown with Sporting Lisbon. Arsenal have suffered back-to-back defeats in the Carabao Cup final and then crashed out of the FA Cup at Southampton on Saturday to turn up the heat on Arteta’s men.‌But Arteta says Arsenal are ready for the challenge of their lives as the Premier League leaders face Sporting on Tuesday night and then a crunch showdown with Bournemouth on Saturday. Arteta said: “I think what we have to do is clear, instead of panic, understand if that happens, why it happened and bring clarity.‌"And when you analyse that and you accept that, you'll be better. That's it, and that's the thing that we have to do. We are hungrier than ever, very excited and very motivated. Feel the pain, use it to improve.FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook pageREAD MORE: Arsenal handed triple injury boost for Sporting clash but Mikel Arteta rules two stars outREAD MORE: Sporting manager Rui Borges gives Arsenal verdict as season threatens to unravel“I know what it means to them and I know how much they want it. It's now the moment to show it, and we have to do it on that green tomorrow at the highest level. I think when you have the opportunity that we have, that has to be taken through excitement, through preparing yourself in th...