Arsenal are in the semi-finals of the Champions League for only the third time Arsenal's run to the Champions League semi-finals has been a "beautiful story" but the Gunners "want much more", says manager Mikel Arteta as they prepare to host Paris St-Germain. Arteta said Tuesday's first leg (20:00 BST) is "one of the biggest games the Emirates Stadium has seen", and called on fans to "play every ball together". Arsenal beat reigning champions Real Madrid5-1 on aggregatein the quarter-finals and will now face French side PSG, who they beat 2-0 in the league phase in October. The Gunners, who have never won the Champions League, last reached the semi-finals in 2009 where they suffered a 4-1 aggregate defeat by Manchester United. Managed by Arsene Wenger, they also lost the 2006 final to Barcelona. "You feel [the weight of history]," said Arteta on the eve of the semi-final first leg. "Especially because we have a lot of people who have worked at this club for many, many years and they've never been in this position. That tells you how unique and beautiful this is. "We are making history. It's a beautiful story right now - but we want much more." Arsenal's season has been hampered by injuries to key players including Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Ben White. They have won only one of their past four Premier League matches, which helped Liverpool clinch the title on Sunday with four games to spare. But in Europe they have won six of their eight league-phase games and also beat PSV Eindhoven 9-3 in the last 16 on their way to the semi-finals. Arteta added: "The fact that we are here as one of the four best teams in Europe, it tells about the mindset, spirit and how much we really want it." His squad will be boosted by the return of Mikel Merino and White to training, but Arteta also challenged the Gunners faithful to create an even better atmosphere than in the 3-0 win against Real Madrid this month. "I'm not exaggerating. Guys, bring your boots, your shorts and T-shirt and let's play every ball together," said Areta, who is eyeing his first major silverware at the club since the FA Cup in 2020. "You want to do something special? That place has to be something special. Something we haven't seen." Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka inflicted a 2-0 defeat on Luis Enrique's PSG in October Paris St-Germain looked far from serious Champions League contenders when they lost to Arsenal in the league phase. The Ligue 1 side only won once and lost three of their first five games in Europe before squeezing through to the knockout-phase play-offs in 15th place. But Luis Enrique believes his side are "a more complete team" seven months on. "I think there are some big differences [from the Arsenal defeat]," the PSG manager said. "I watched that match again and saw our progress. I think we're a better team and we've shown that throughout the competition. "We had the toughest league phase. At first I thought it was detrimental, but in the end it was positive because it helped us progress. "We are a more complete team and we now want to write a page in history." PSG, who were crowned domestic champions again this month, are aiming for a first Champions League title despite the exits of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar. After beating fellow French club Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the play-offs, they then overcame successive English oppositions in Liverpool and Aston Villa. Before the semi-final, Luis Enrique said he sees similarities between his side and Arteta's Arsenal. "They are built as a team with collective strength - you can see that from the way they attack and defend," he said. "They do everything together. Of course, they have some top-level players, just like we do, but they don't rely on just one player. They have had injuries throughout the season but they continue to perform at a high level." Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 BST on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.
Champions League run 'a beautiful story' but Arteta wants 'much more'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Arsenal Aims for Champions League Glory as They Face PSG in Semi-Finals"
Bbc News
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Arsenal finds itself in the semi-finals of the Champions League for only the third time in its history, a milestone that manager Mikel Arteta describes as a 'beautiful story'. As they prepare to face Paris St-Germain in the first leg of the semi-finals, Arteta emphasized the significance of the match, calling it one of the biggest games to be held at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners' journey to this stage has been marked by notable victories, including a commanding 5-1 aggregate win against reigning champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. Despite their impressive European run, Arteta acknowledges the weight of history, stating that many at the club have long desired to reach this point, highlighting the unique nature of their current achievements. However, he insists that the team aspires for even greater success, underscoring their ambition to win the Champions League, a title that has eluded them thus far.
In the context of Arsenal's domestic performance, the season has been challenging due to injuries to key players such as Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. The team has struggled in the Premier League, winning only one of their last four matches, which allowed Liverpool to secure the title early. Nonetheless, Arsenal has demonstrated resilience in Europe, winning six of their eight group stage matches and decisively defeating PSV Eindhoven in the last 16. As they gear up for the semi-finals, the return of Mikel Merino and Ben White to training provides a boost. Arteta has called on the fans to create an exceptional atmosphere during the match, reflecting the importance of collective support. On the other side, PSG, who have faced their own challenges earlier in the tournament, are now confident in their abilities, with manager Luis Enrique claiming they have evolved into a more cohesive unit since their defeat to Arsenal in the league phase. Both teams are eager to make history, setting the stage for an intense semi-final clash.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights Arsenal's remarkable journey to the Champions League semi-finals, emphasizing both the historical significance of this achievement and the aspirations of the team and its manager, Mikel Arteta. It captures the excitement surrounding the upcoming match against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the mixed feelings of pride and ambition.
Purpose Behind the Publication
The narrative serves to build excitement and unity among Arsenal fans ahead of a pivotal match. Arteta's comments aim to inspire the supporters and reinforce the notion that the team is on the verge of making history. In doing so, the article reflects a desire to engage the fanbase, encouraging them to create an electrifying atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium.
Public Perception and Sentiment
This coverage seeks to cultivate a sense of hope and ambition within the Arsenal community. By framing the semi-final run as a "beautiful story," the article crafts a romantic narrative around the team's journey, while also highlighting the desire for further success. It positions the team as underdogs with a passionate fanbase, which may resonate well with the supporters' emotions.
Potential Omissions or Concealments
While the article celebrates achievements, it glosses over the challenges faced in the Premier League, such as injuries to key players and less favorable domestic performances. By focusing primarily on the Champions League, it may downplay the pressure and criticism surrounding the team's recent form in other competitions.
Manipulative Nature of the Article
There is a degree of manipulation in how the narrative is constructed. By emphasizing the "beautiful story" and the historical weight, the article creates an emotional appeal that may overshadow critical discussions about the team's current struggles. The language used is uplifting, aimed at galvanizing supporters rather than addressing potential concerns.
Comparative Analysis with Other News
When compared to other sports articles, this piece maintains a tone that is commonly found in football coverage, especially during high-stakes matches. It aligns with a tradition of celebrating underdog stories, which can be found across various media platforms that cover football.
Impact on Society and Economy
The excitement generated by this semi-final run could have positive implications for Arsenal's brand, potentially increasing merchandise sales and ticket demand. A strong performance in the Champions League could also enhance the club's financial standing, attracting sponsorships and investments.
Target Audience
The article is likely to resonate most with passionate football fans, particularly those who support Arsenal. It appeals to their hopes and aspirations, fostering a sense of community among the supporters.
Market Influence
This kind of news can influence stock market perceptions, especially for companies associated with Arsenal or those involved in sports merchandise. The performance of Arsenal in the Champions League can sway investor confidence in related sectors.
Geopolitical Relevance
While the article primarily focuses on sports, it indirectly reflects broader themes of competition and achievement, which can resonate in various societal contexts, including discussions about national pride in sports.
Artificial Intelligence Usage
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence was directly used in the writing of this article. However, AI models are often employed in sports journalism for data analysis and content creation. If utilized, they might have influenced the narrative style, focusing on key emotional touchpoints to engage readers effectively.
Conclusion on Credibility
The article presents a largely credible account of Arsenal's current status and aspirations. However, it selectively emphasizes positive aspects while downplaying challenges, which may affect its objectivity. Overall, it aligns with the typical narrative style found in sports journalism, aiming to inspire and mobilize fan support.