Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal still have “gears to take the game to a different level” - despite their injury crisis in attack.
Arsenal have been hit hard by injuries at the top end of the pitch and are without four forwards for Tuesday’s Champions League clash at PSV Eindhoven.
Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz are all out, with Mikel Merino in line to start as an emergency No9 for the third game in a row.
The Gunners have failed to score in each of their past two games, but Arteta believes his attack can fire in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie.
“In the last two results, it’s been very different in terms of performance as well,” said Arteta.
“Not getting the result that we want, but certainly being better, especially in the last game than the opposition.
“And the fact that we have still gears, even with the players that we have, some other gears to take the game to a different level.
“When it comes to that stage, it’s about lifting the level and the standards. Every individual has to be at their best. And when we do that, with the team that we have and the connection that we have between us, we are a really strong team.
“The moment that you have a result, it’s hurting but it has to last 24 hours because then you have to move on and you have to face the next game and the preparation. And you cannot get away from that.
“That’s a big quality of a coach or any player at this level because in three days’ time you’re going to have another match, and emotionally and physically, you have to be ready for it.”
Every individual has to be at their best. And when we do that, with the team that we have and the connection that we have between us, we are a really strong team
Mikel Arteta
Arsenal have slipped to 13 points off Premier League leaders Liverpool, although they do have a game in hand.
It means the Champions League has become their most feasible chance of a trophy this season and Arteta believes knockout football could bring the best out of his players.
“Regardless in what situation you are in the league, when you start to come to this stage of the Champions League, there is something else,” he said.
“You feel it in the atmosphere and the energy of the place. It’s something else because it’s a competition you don’t play weekly and you play in a moment where you are in or you are out. And that gives you urgency, and it gets the best out of you, for sure.”
