Mikel Arteta: The Arsenal manager emphasizes that the team needs to channel their ‘anger and frustration’ from the Bournemouth match to triumph over Paris Saint-Germain.

Mikel Arteta has declared that his Arsenal side will harness the “anger and rage” from their recent defeat to Bournemouth as they prepare for a crucial UEFA Champions League encounter with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, which will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

The Gunners suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss at the Emirates Stadium, having initially taken the lead against the visitors. With a vital second leg in Paris looming, any further setbacks for Arteta’s men could prove catastrophic.

PSG hold the upper hand heading into the clash at the Parc des Princes, thanks to Ousmane Dembele’s early winner in London last week. However, Arsenal have demonstrated their ability to secure results away from home in the Champions League.

“It didn’t create the right momentum, positive momentum,” Arteta reflected after the Bournemouth defeat. “It certainly creates a lot of anger, frustration, rage, disappointment. And let’s use all of that for Wednesday. That’s what we have to do.”

Declan Rice opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 34th minute, marking his 100th appearance for the club in style. However, Bournemouth capitalised on several missed opportunities in the first half.

With the hosts unable to extend their lead, a glancing header from Dean Huijsen found the net following Antoine Semenyo’s powerful long throw, before Evanilson netted the winner moments later.

“We had so many open situations,” Arteta lamented. “Big spaces, big opportunities to score, but we didn’t. And then when you defend the box like we did and concede two goals from set pieces at this level, it’s very difficult to earn three points.”

He added, “We don’t finish our actions. We give away so many simple goals. They have a lot of energy, they run, and in transition, they are really good. When we had them, we didn’t kill them, and then we gave them hope.”

Arteta also noted that the chances of Jurrien Timber featuring in the second leg in Paris are slim after he missed the Premier League clash.

Despite the setback, Arsenal remain in second place after their fourth league loss of the season, but Manchester City and Newcastle are hot on their heels. With a daunting schedule ahead, including matches against champions Liverpool and Newcastle, the coming weeks promise to be challenging for The Gunners.