Arteta Calls on his team to Channel B'Mouth Loss Anger into a Positive Performance vs. PSG

Mikel Arteta’s rallying cry urges Arsenal to turn Bournemouth frustration into Champions League brilliance against PSG.

Mikel Arteta’s rallying cry as he urges his squad to channel their frustration into a special performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.

Following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League, Arteta acknowledged the team’s frustration but emphasized the importance of using that energy positively.

“We certainly created a lot of frustration, anger, disappointment, and it’s time now to show our courage, our resilience, and go there using everything that we’re feeling right now to put an amazing performance there and win the game and be in the final,” Arteta stated.

Arsenal trails 1-0 after the first leg at The Emirates, making the upcoming match in Paris a crucial opportunity to turn the tie around. Arteta believes that the fire in the players’ bellies will be key to securing a victory.

“That fire in your belly now has to be there, and it’s time to step up in Paris and have an amazing match and win it,” he added.

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LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 29: Leandro Trossard of Arsenal reacts after a missed chance during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Emirates Stadium on April 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 29: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Emirates Stadium on April 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photograph by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta made minimal changes to his squad following the first-leg defeat, but concerns remain over the availability of Jurrien Timber, who was absent from the Bournemouth match. When asked about Timber’s chances of playing on Wednesday,

Arteta admitted, “At the moment, no, because he wasn’t able to play here and we play in four days.”

With PSG already crowned Ligue 1 champions, Arsenal faces a formidable challenge. However, Arteta remains optimistic, stating,

“In the Champions League, you have to do something special at some point in the competition to earn the right to be in the final, and it’s this game. It’s in front of us, with that feeling that we have right now, let’s do it.”

Arsenal fans will be eagerly watching as their team attempts to overturn the deficit and secure a place in the Champions League final. Will Arteta’s call for a special performance inspire his squad to rise to the occasion? Wednesday’s match will provide the answer.