Arsenal vs Sporting: ‘No fear, pure fire’ – Gunners boss Mikel Arteta defiant for pivotal week

“No fear, pure fire. That’s it,” he said.

“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.”

Arteta continued that theme when asked about any nerves.

“Fire. I’m on fire. That’s it. Nothing else,” he added. “I’m driven so much. I have done so much to be in this position. I know how this club was. This is beauty.

“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.”

In their worrying recent run, the Gunners were beaten by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final, and at home by Bournemouth in the league on Saturday.

From hope of an unprecedented Quadruple, the defeats have taken their trophy chances down from four to two, while their lead at the top of the table has been reduced to six points, with Pep Guardiola’s side also having a game in hand.

Gunners forward Eberechi Eze said: “The boss speaks well, he is passionate, and you can see the fire he has in his eyes and mind, and that has been pushed throughout the whole club.

“Regardless of what people are saying outside, it is about us and what we do, and that is all that matters.”