It stopped Arsenal winning the Premier League, now Mikel Arteta needs to prevent Gunners weakness from ruining Champions League hopes

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Arsenal nerves will be growing ahead of what is a season-defining match up against the might of Real Madrid.

Josh Kroenke has sent a message to the Arsenal squad to ‘stay focussed’ ahead of their huge second leg clash at the Bernabeu.

Vinicius Jr has sent a warning to Arsenal that Real Madrid still believe they can progress into the semi final and the hosts are set to create an intimidating atmosphere for Mikel Arteta and his players.

Thomas Partey has given Arsenal a boost by training ahead of the clash and Ben White was also on the grass after suffering a knee injury before the Brentford clash. The Gunners have to stay sharp to avoid yet more disappointment this season.

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Arsenal weakness in dropping points from winning positions this season

Arsenal have dropped almost as many points this season from winning positions in the Premier League than they have in the previous two seasons combined under Arteta.

Having drawn 12 games this season domestically, the Gunners have dropped 16 points from winning positions – their latest coming in a 1-1 draw with Brentford at the Emirates Stadium.

The North London side only dropped 17 points from winning positions across both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaign and must overcome that psychological barrier in Spain.

It is yet to be too much of a problem in Europe however, at 3-0 up heading into the second leg, Arsenal are in a ‘stick or twist’ situation and must be decisive in their actions at both ends of the pitch.

Jakub Kiwior set to be key to Arsenal defence

With the absence of Gabriel Magalhaes, Polish international Jakub Kiwior has stepped up to replace the Gunners centre back in the last three games with great effect.

Kiwior was labelled a ‘monster’ by his team mates following his display against Real Madrid and alongside William Saliba, the defensive duo are unbeaten at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.

If the pair’s unbeaten record can continue in the heat of the Bernabeu, Arsenal will be guaranteed their first Champions League semi final since 2009.

They managed to keep Kylian Mbappe at bay in the first leg, that task could be more difficult with a home crowd right behind the French ace.