Tottenham’s Old Foe Taunts Arsenal
Ivan Perisic, a 36-year-old Croatian legend and former Tottenham Hotspur winger, has stirred the pot ahead of Arsenal’s crucial Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven. Perisic, who spent two years with Spurs from 2022 to 2024, is confident his current team can achieve an upset against the Gunners. "It’s going to be tough. They are a really, really good team, a young team with a good coach," Perisic acknowledged. However, he added a pointed critique, stating, "But over the last years they are always missing something to step up to win something. I know we’re going to have a good chance to beat them. I really believe in my team. Tactically, we have to be at the top level to show something good against them." Perisic’s comments, while respectful, carry a sting, especially given Arsenal’s recent struggles and the context of their five-year trophy drought.
Arsenal’s Recent Woes and Tactical Adjustments
Arsenal’s journey to this Champions League tie has been marred by a series of setbacks. The Gunners collected just one point from their last two Premier League games against West Ham and Nottingham Forest, leaving them a distant 13 points behind league leaders Liverpool. This damaging week has not only dented their title aspirations but also raised concerns about their form and fitness. Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are both sidelined with season-ending injuries, and Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to return only next month. To compensate for the lack of strikers, Arsenal has been forced to use midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift No.9. Merino has shown flashes of brilliance, scoring twice off the bench in a 2-0 win at Leicester, but his recent starts have seen the team struggle to find the back of the net, with back-to-back goalless league games for the first time since May 2023.
Mikel Arteta’s Pre-Match Rallying Cry
Despite the challenging circumstances, Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta remains optimistic. Arteta, known for his unwavering belief in his team, has called on his players to rise to the occasion. "Now is the moment to start to make another strong step in the direction that we want," he urged. Arteta emphasized the unique atmosphere and energy of the Champions League, which can bring out the best in players. "It’s a game that really brings a different energy. It’s a competition that puts everybody on their toes," he said. The Spanish coach’s words reflect a determination to focus on the immediate task at hand, rather than getting caught up in speculation about the future. "The reality is, being a coach, I just look at what is ahead. It’s an ambition. It’s PSV, being better than them, to have the right to win the game. That’s where we are," Arteta added.
Josh Kroenke’s Show of Support
A significant morale booster for the team came in the form of a visit from Arsenal co-owner Josh Kroenke to the London Colney training ground on Monday, just before the squad flew to Eindhoven for the tie. Arteta expressed his gratitude for Kroenke’s presence, saying, "I am very happy to have him around. He is around a lot of times for big moments. He really wants to be with the team and it is great to have him." Kroenke’s support underscores the importance Arsenal places on this Champions League encounter. It’s a reminder to the players that the club stands behind them, regardless of recent setbacks, and that this game is a crucial opportunity to validate their efforts and potential.
Jurrien Timber’s Call for Unity and Positivity
Dutch defender Jurrien Timber has also weighed in, urging his teammates to "change the narrative" and focus on the positives. "It is a beautiful game to change the narrative and win. The motivation is there and it’s an amazing competition to play in. We showed as well in the group stages that we did really well and we have a good team. We have so much quality in our group," Timber said. His comments reflect a sense of frustration with the negative talk surrounding the club and a determination to prove the pundits wrong. Timber’s optimism is crucial, as it echoes the sentiments of his manager and helps to foster a united front within the team.
Looking Ahead to the Challenge
While the immediate focus is on the PSV tie, the stakes are high for Arsenal. A win would not only boost their morale but also keep alive their hopes of claiming a trophy this season, which has become increasingly important given their league form. If they can advance past PSV, the road ahead includes potential encounters with either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals. However, Arteta is adamant about not looking too far ahead. "We’ve done a lot already this season here and now is the moment to start to make another strong step in the direction that we want. I am very excited for the game," he concluded. Arsenal’s players will need to channel their collective resilience and talent to overcome the formidable challenge that lies ahead in Eindhoven.
