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Arteta urges Arsenal to banish painful history with Bayern

Mikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal to prove their wretched Champions League record against Bayern Munich is ancient history as the Gunners look to seize their “special” opportunity to reach the semi-finals.

Arteta’s side have endured a series of chastening defeats against Bayern over the last decade, but Arteta expects them to reverse that trend in Tuesday’s quarter-final first leg.

Beaten 5-1 in each of their last three meetings with Bayern, Arsenal were eliminated from the Champions League by the German club in the last 16 in 2017, 2014, 2013 and 2005.

However, Premier League leaders Arsenal are in superb form, while Bayern arrive at the Emirates Stadium in turmoil.

Arteta puts no stock in his club’s past problems against Bayern and the Spaniard called on his players to justify his faith.

“That’s history. When you look at their history in the competition it’s clear. We have to prove that, that’s for sure,” Arteta told reporters on Monday.

“Football is such a competitive environment and it’s so hard to be consistent that this can happen to anybody.

“We are really enjoying the moment because this is where we want to be. We are in a really good position in the Premier League and we are in a good position in the Champions League.

“We have a big task ahead of us against one of the successful teams in Europe. That’s the hurdle we have to overcome and we are really looking forward to it.”

Arsenal have not made the Champions League semi-finals since 2009 and will be playing in the last eight for the first time since 2010.

While Bayern are well below their usual standards this term, Arteta is relishing the opportunity to face the six-time European champions.

– ‘So excited’ –

“A lot of passion and emotion. We haven’t had this opportunity for 15 years so that tells you how special this night is going to be for us. We are going to have put everything into every ball to make it happen,” he said.

“It’s been a really demanding season and it’s a big step forward to be here in this competition, and competing in the Premier League. This is the challenge and we are so excited to be part of that.”

Bayern squandered a two-goal lead in a 3-2 loss to Heidenheim last weekend that all but extinguished their slim hopes of catching Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

Thomas Tuchel’s troubled team have lost five of their last 10 games in all competitions.

Yet Arteta’s respect for Tuchel — a Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2021 — ensured he would not underestimate Bayern.

“They are top team. I’m a big admirer of Thomas. The way his teams set-up, the way they play, the way they transmit. I have learned a lot from him and looking at them they are a top team,” he said.

“We have prepared well and now we have to take our game where we want to. If we do that we have a chance to win.

Even the presence of Bayern striker Harry Kane, who scored a north London derby record 14 goals against Arsenal during his time with Tottenham, is unlikely to rattle the Gunners.

Asked about the threat posed by the England captain, Arteta said: “When you look at his numbers over the past 10 years they are unbelievable.

“He can score in many different ways. He has got the service and the players around him as well to provide those opportunities.

“We know the individual qualities of those players, and him in particular. The ability he has. The best thing is to collectively prevent certain things.”

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Olukismet FC Youngster Popoola Abdulrasaq Joins Top Hungarian Side Kisvarda FC

Highly rated midfielder of Ekiti based NLO 1 side Olukismet FC, Popoola Ridwan Abdulrasaq has joined Hungarian side Kisvarda FC on a five- year deal.

According to a statement from the Ekiti based team which is known for churning out top young talents under the tutelage of renowned youth talents developer, Coach Gabriel Oladeji Atobaje, Popoola has quickly hit the grounds running with some wonderful displays in the games he has played for the promotion seeking side since he started pulling on the red and white of the club.

In his remarks, Coach Atobaje expressed confidence in the abilities of the 18 years old midfielder, who has started turning heads with his performances in the Hungarian league.

“We’re very confident that our boy Popoola would make us proud out there in Hungary.

“This is a very gifted young player with uncanny ability and intelligence and physical strength to dominate the midfield play, even at the highest heights of world football,” the obviously excited Atobaje enthused confidently.

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Joy Unlimited: NBBF Board Members, Stakeholders Hails Musa Kida’s Appointment As Chairman, NNPCL

Encomiums and felicitations have been pouring for the President of Nigeria Basketball Federation, Engineer Ahmadu Musa Kida, on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the new Chairman of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Since the appointment which many experts in the oil and gas industry described as long overdue, but timely, it has been stopless prayers and heartfelt goodwill messages for Kida by all Nigerians and particularly, from his immediate sports constituency, the basketball community.

In a press statement signed and released by veteran sports journalist Felix Awogu, on behalf of the NBBF board members, congratulates Kida on his appointment as the chairman of the board of NNPCL.

It noted that Kida has proven his ability, capability and integrity as a globally renowned expert in the energy, oil and gas industry, with over 40 years’ experience bouyed by high levels of efficient and spectacular achievements.

“It is no gain saying that you’re a great achiever with so much experience and sagacity in administration, and that is glaringly evident in the unprecedented feats your leadership as President of the NBBF has brought to the game of basketball in Nigeria.

“We acknowledge your reputation as a globally renowned expert in the oil industry and like the other good people of this great nation, we have implicit confidence that you shall deliver on the mandate of your new board of the NNPCL.

“The board members of the NBBF, the stakeholders, as well as enthusiast and aficionados of the game, say a big thank you to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on your appointment. And we heartily pray that God in His infinite mercies continue to guard, guide and bless your steps in your new national assignment.

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Mikel Arteta Refuses To Concede Title To Liverpool After Man United Draw

Mikel Arteta has refused to concede the Premier League title race after Arsenal fell 15 points behind Liverpool with a 1-1 draw at Manchester United.

Declan Rice’s 74th-minute strike cancelled out Bruno Fernandes’ opener in first half stoppage time but neither side were able to find a winner in a frantic finale at Old Trafford.

Arsenal still have a game in hand on the leaders but now face a mammoth task in their attempts to secure a first league crown since 2004.

And when asked whether the race was now over, Arteta said: “I don’t want to say that. Today the frustration is that we haven’t won the game. We know the urgency and we are obligated to win every single match if you want to have any chance of doing that. I don’t think it is the right moment to talk about that.”

Rice vowed Arsenal would keep pushing until the final day. “Like the manager said, we’ll keep going until the end of the season,” the England midfielder said.

“Liverpool have been amazing all year. We’re Arsenal. We’ve been hit hard by injuries. We’ll keep going and we’ll be alright.”

Arteta’s frustrations were evident when he left his post-match media obligations with Sky Sports early following a question about the title race.

After answering several questions, Arteta was asked whether he regretted Arsenal not signing a striker in January and replied: “No, it’s not about that” before beginning to walk away.

The interviewer then asked for one more question, which Arteta allowed. But while being asked about the 15-point gap to Liverpool, Arteta walked out of shot.