No fear, pure fire – Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have no concerns about collapse

A fuelled-up Mikel Arteta said he is “on fire” and holds “zero fear” that Arsenal’s season is on the brink of a devastating collapse as he launched a passionate defence of his under-attack side.

The Gunners’ campaign is in danger of falling apart after a third domestic defeat in a row opened the Premier League title door to Manchester City, who they play in a pivotal match at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

Before they face their title rivals, Arsenal will host Sporting Lisbon in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at the Emirates guarding a slender one-goal lead from the opening fixture.

Arsenal have finished league runners-up for the past three seasons, and they have failed to win a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup – the sole silverware of Arteta’s six-and-a-half-year tenure.

And there is a growing feeling of deja vu among a nervous Arsenal fanbase.

However, in a bid to calm the club’s supporters, Arteta insisted: “There is no fear. Pure fire. That’s it. Me, the first one. Pure fire. That’s what I want to see on the players, on the people, on myself.

“Fire! I’m on fire. I’m on fire. That’s it. Nothing else. I’m dreaming so much. I’ve done so much to be in this position because I know how this club was. I’ve done so much and this is beauty.

“We are in April, we have an incredible opportunity ahead of us. Let’s confront it, let’s go for it by really putting absolutely everything into it.

“I want to get it done for all these people that have been in this journey with us. And because they deserve it, because it’s been unbelievable. That’s what is driving me every single day.

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