Arsenal will aim to wrap up their progression to the round-of-16 at the Estadi Montilivi on Wednesday, with the Gunners needing at least a draw against an already-eliminated Girona side to be certain of avoiding a tricky two-legged play-off next month.
It’ll be easier said than done, however, with Mikel Arteta accepting on Tuesday that “they’re a really good side [and] if you look at the games they’ve played in the Champions League against top opposition, they’ve made life very difficult for them.”
Arteta told reporters during his pre-match press conference that he will put out “a very strong team” on Wednesday night “in order to achieve what we want to do because mathematically, the qualifying at the moment is uncertain.”
If they were defeated by Míchel’s Girona, Arsenal could potentially drop outside out the top eight of this revamped league phase format – and Arteta is keen to make qualification as straightforward as possible by picking up three points.
Victory in Catalunya could see Arsenal join Liverpool in the top two of the table, with the teams occupying those spots set to receive a favourable draw in the round-of-16 under UEFA’s new tournament format.
Arteta hopes that Arsenal’s positive form away from home this season will continue as they take to the pitch at the Estadi Montilivi, praising his side for being “more consistent” and “better at understanding that it’s extremely difficult to win and overplay opposition in the Champions League.”
But a spanner in the works could have altered the 42-year-old’s preparations for the match, with news breaking shortly before Tuesday’s press conference that Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card against Wolves has been overturned.
“We’re very happy that decision has been made and Myles is going to be able to play for us again in the next three games,” Arteta told reporters, revealing that the youngster “was sleeping on the plane when I looked back and got the news, so I haven’t spoken to him but I imagine he’ll have a big smile on his face.”
“It does affect [Wednesday’s game] because we had a lot of uncertainty, not only for Sunday but for tomorrow and the next few games as well. Now we have more options because he’s going to be available and that’s something very positive for the team,” he added.
Arteta was also keen to condemn the abhorrent abuse directed at referee Michael Oliver on social media following the referee’s decision to award the red card during that clash with Wolves last weekend.
“Every time I talk about this topic, regardless of whether it’s about a player, a coach or a referee it doesn’t matter – we really have to work harder to eradicate this part of the game that brings nothing but bad stuff, leaves a bad taste and makes people’s lives more difficult. Let’s get it out, let’s kick it out,” he urged.
“It’s for everyone in football, it should not be permitted. We don’t want it, we don’t need it and certainly damages our sport. Let’s get it out.”