Mikel Arteta has confirmed that he will not rest his key players for Arsenal’s final Premier League match against Crystal Palace, despite the looming Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. With little left to play for in the domestic league, as Arsenal are set to finish second for the third consecutive season, Arteta insists that his players must continue to play regularly to maintain their best form and consistency. The match against Palace will be crucial, not only for delaying Liverpool’s title celebrations but also for ensuring Arsenal are in the best possible shape ahead of their European showdown.
Arteta firmly rejects the idea of “wrapping players in cotton wool,” emphasizing that when players are fit and available, they need to play. “We cannot think in those terms,” he said. “When the players are fit and they are available and they want to play, they have to play. They are at their best when they are playing and they have consistency in their performances.”
The match against Crystal Palace is Arsenal’s last fixture before the Champions League semi-final first leg against PSG. The schedule has been adjusted to accommodate Palace’s FA Cup semi-final, giving Arteta’s squad five days to prepare for the high-stakes European clash. Although the timing is unusual, Arteta views the extra time as a valuable opportunity for the team to prepare for PSG, particularly given their limited squad depth due to injuries. “It gives us more time to prepare for the game,” Arteta explained, acknowledging the importance of the brief break to ensure his team is physically and mentally ready for the Champions League challenge.
While Arsenal have had a disappointing league campaign this season, unable to maintain a serious title challenge, Arteta remains confident that their European form has provided a sense of relief. The team’s recent success in the Champions League, including a standout quarter-final victory at Real Madrid, has given Arteta and the players a boost. Despite their struggles domestically, Arteta is adamant that injuries and other factors beyond their control have contributed to their position in the league, and they do not need to make up for anything in their final league match.
The game against Crystal Palace also carries significant implications for Liverpool, who could secure the Premier League title if Arsenal lose. Arteta, however, remains focused on his team’s preparations for the PSG tie rather than the impact of the Palace result on Liverpool’s celebrations.
Arsenal’s victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals saw key players such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli return to form. Saka, who had recently recovered from injury, made a significant impact, while Martinelli continued to impress with his performances. Arteta praised Martinelli’s work ethic and leadership qualities, describing him as a player who wants to give his all in every match and every competition. “He’s a fantastic player to work with. His work ethic, his understanding, he wants to play every minute of every competition,” Arteta said, emphasizing the importance of such characters in the team.
Saka, despite taking a heavy hit in the previous match against Ipswich, is expected to be fit for the Palace fixture. The injury, which resulted in a red card for Ipswich’s Leif Davis, was a reminder of the physical toll on players at this stage of the season. Arteta has full confidence in Saka’s ability to handle the situation, noting that the winger’s calm and rational nature allows him to manage such challenges with ease. “The worst thing you can do is start reacting to that or paying attention to that. Saka needs to stay focused. That’s in his nature,” Arteta stated.
As Arteta prepares for the PSG clash, he will adjust his team’s preparation based on how the players are feeling. Whether they need more emotional intensity, tactical adjustments, or simply a focus on physical recovery, Arteta is committed to ensuring his players are in the best shape possible to face one of Europe’s elite teams.
