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Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal‘s emphatic thrashing of Sporting Lisbon was the best European away display in his tenure — and could now kickstart the Gunners.
The impressive performance ended a torrid run away from home in the Champions League, which saw the Gunners last win on the road in Europe in October last year against Sevilla.
The last time Arsenal had scored five away from home in Europe was a 5-2 win at Fenerbahce in October 2008.
It left Arteta purring about his players, having downed a side who were unbeaten both domestically and in Europe this season.
When asked if this was the best European away display under him, he said: ‘For sure, especially against the opponent that we played in their home — I don’t think they have lost a game in 18 months.
‘They’ve been better than anybody they have played here. To play to that level, with that determination and purpose, the fluidity.
‘I’m very pleased because the team has played with so much courage. They (Sporting) are so good and watching them live, I realise how good they are!
‘With the performance and identity of what I saw against Inter Milan, I knew that, in that pathway, good things were going to happen in Europe.’
The Spaniard pinpointed the return of injured players to training as having boosted recent performances, and is hopeful of a strong run going forward.
He added: ‘We were training with 11 or 12 players for long periods. Some of them they could not train or play. Now almost everyone is fit and available.
‘It’s true that we’re still managing certain players. The level raises no doubt — if we have the availability, we’re going to be a really good side.’
