Mikel Arteta issues strong four-word demand to Arsenal stars ahead of crunch week

Mikel Arteta issues strong four-word demand to Arsenal stars ahead of crunch weekArsenal still have the chance to win the Premier League and Champions League in the final weeks of the season but their hopes could swing on the next few days against Sporting Lisbon and Man CityCommentsSportJohn Cross Chief Football Writer22:30, 14 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesMikel Arteta is set to lead Arsenal into a crucial week(Image: Getty Images)MIikel Arteta has told Arsenal to play with “pure fire” as they go into the biggest week of his reign.‌The Gunners face Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday night looking to secure the club’s first-ever back-to-back Champions League semi final. Arteta then takes his players to rivals Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday in what could be could be a Premier League title decider.‌Arsenal’s slip against Bournemouth on Saturday has heightened the pressure but Arteta said his message for the fans and players was: “No fear, pure fire. That's it.‌“Pure fire, that's what I want to see from the players, the people, myself. The opportunity is unbelievable. Let's confront it, let's go for it and put everything into it.”When asked whether there were any nerves, Arteta added: “Fire. I'm on fire. That's it. Nothing else. I’m driven so much. I have done so much to be in this position. I know how this club was. This is beauty.READ MORE: Eberechi Eze shuts down Arsenal theory ahead of crunch Champions League deciderREAD MORE: Mikel Arteta responds to Declan Rice missing Arsenal training and gives Bukayo Saka updateFOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page‌“I see beauty and opportunity. I want to get it done for all the people on the journey with us. That's what has driven me every day. Zero fear.”Arsenal could have to do it without key midfielder Declan Rice who missed training and joins a growing injury list of Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard which Arteta admits is “far from...