Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s tense route to the Champions League semi-finals highlights the resilience needed to handle the pressure of ending their six-year wait for silverware.

The Gunners edged past Sporting Lisbon in a nervy quarter-final second leg on Wednesday, holding on for a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium to seal a 1-0 aggregate victory.

Arsenal struggled to hit their usual standards, but Sporting failed to capitalise, with Geny Catamo coming closest when his first-half volley struck the post.

It was another unconvincing performance in a recent run of inconsistent form, with Arsenal losing three of their last five matches across all competitions and managing just one win in that stretch.

Despite that, Arteta remains confident his team showed the mentality required, grinding out an important result even without playing well, amid ongoing criticism of their mental toughness.

“We know we’re not perfect, but what the players have delivered has real value,” Arteta said, with Atletico Madrid awaiting in the semi-finals.

“I told them I was grateful for the effort. There was a huge amount of work behind this result, especially with several key players missing.

“We showed many of the qualities needed to win games. When you are chasing titles, it’s about how you compete, and that’s exactly what we did.”

With key players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber sidelined through injury, Mikel Arteta singled out Declan Rice for special praise after the midfielder pushed through fitness concerns to feature against Sporting.

Rice’s determination reflected the mentality Arteta expects from his squad.

“Absolutely — especially in tough moments or when we lost possession. Declan was exhausted yesterday and had no real chance of playing,” Arteta said.

“He wasn’t feeling well at all, but still managed to play 94 minutes. He’s a true leader and an incredibly important player for us.

“If we were filming an Arsenal documentary this season, people would see what’s really been happening over the last 48 hours. From the outside, you’d think we were near the bottom of the table based on the criticism.”

‘A massive boost’

Arsenal have now reached the Champions League semi-finals in back-to-back seasons for the first time in the club’s history.

Having beaten Atletico Madrid 4-0 earlier in the competition, the Gunners will travel to Spain for the first leg on April 29 before hosting the return match at the Emirates on May 5.

“It’s a huge moment for us. To be among the final four is a fantastic achievement,” Arteta said.

“I’m delighted for everyone at the club. We’re achieving things that haven’t been done here in 140 years.

“We’re set for two special nights against Atletico. What Diego Simeone has built there is remarkable, and it’s a very open tie.”

After falling short against Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s semi-finals, Arsenal are now aiming to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.

The north London side are still chasing their first European crown, while also pursuing a long-awaited Premier League title, which would be their first in 22 years.

Currently sitting six points clear at the top of the table, Arsenal face a crucial test against second-placed Manchester City on Sunday, with their rivals holding a game in hand.

Arteta believes their European success can provide valuable momentum heading into that high-stakes clash.

“It’s a big lift for us. Reaching the Champions League semi-finals is never easy,” he said.

“We’re going to enjoy this moment because we’ve earned it.”