In preparation for the Europa League clash between Sporting and Arsenal tonight, Portuguese newspaper O Jogo managed to speak to a Portuguese player from the Gunners.
That’s Nuno Tavares, who’s currently loaned to French side Marseille, and had a lot to say about Mikel Arteta’s side.
The fullback joined Arsenal on an €8m move from Benfica in 2021, and despite having stayed in London for just one year, he still knows enough about the team which is on top of the Premier League table.
Tavares made it clear how hard the Gunners are used to fighting on the pitch, claiming they’ll be trying to attack Sporting the whole time.
“Two completely different teams are going to face each other, even in financial terms. Arsenal are going through a great moment, they always play until the last drop of sweat and will take the field in a serious way,” Nuno Tavares told O Jogo.
“It’s not going to change their philosophy. Arsenal are an attacking team and the less time they spend defending, the better. It’s not a new philosophy, this comes from last year and I was there at the time. After scoring the first goal, they always look for the second and third…”
The fullback also talked about the ‘respect’ Arsenal have been getting from opponents, and said Arteta’s side will be ready for what they’ll find in Lisbon.
“There is respect for this team and the opponents know that they fight to the limit of their strength. That’s what Sporting have to reckon with.
“Arsenal will have all the indicators to unblock Sporting and expose their weaknesses. The technical team is very good at this. It certainly analysed the game well and knows how to hurt Sporting”.
Sporting and Arsenal play in Lisbon tonight the first leg of the Europa League’s round-of-16.
Even though the Gunners can be considered the favourites, the Portuguese press is confident that the Lions can try to fight for the qualification.
