Mikel Arteta called for "fire" from his Arsenal side, but the Gunners delivered a more subdued, pragmatic performance to secure their passage to the Champions League semi-finals. A cagey 0-0 draw with Sporting at the Emirates, following Kai Havertz's first-leg winner, was enough to see them through, marking a second consecutive season in the final four—a historic achievement for the club.

While the result is ultimately what matters, the performance raised questions. Arsenal have now won just once in their last five matches across all competitions, scoring only three goals in that stretch. The free-flowing, attacking football that defined their early-season form has been harder to produce, leading to a vital debate: in the business end of the season, does style matter, or is grinding out results the only currency that counts?

For Arteta and a squad desperate to lift silverware, the answer seems clear. Progress is paramount. The manager was quick to highlight the monumental effort, pointing out that reaching back-to-back Champions League semi-finals is a feat never before achieved in Arsenal's 140-year history. "There's a reason why we are the only English team in the competition," Arteta noted, alluding to the brutal physical toll of the Premier League schedule.

That strain is visibly impacting the squad. Arsenal navigated this crucial tie without several key figures, including Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and new signings Jurriën Timber and Riccardo Calafiori. The concern deepened as winger Noni Madueke limped off with a knee issue, casting a shadow over preparations for this weekend's monumental top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City.

Arteta acknowledged the physical burden but praised his players' resilience and defensive habits. The current reality is one of adaptation and grit. As the season reaches its crescendo, Arsenal are proving they can win in different ways. The quest for a trophy may not always be pretty, but the ability to dig deep and secure a result when not at their fluent best could be the most important trait they develop this campaign.