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Mikel Arteta finds a new and unusual way to inspire Arsenal's players đ„
Apr 17 2026 10:11 · By onefootball.com · 16 Reads
Mikel Arteta has made a habit of using unorthodox methods to inspire his players.
Lightbulbs, pens and even blasting 'You'll Never Walk Alone' before a trip to Liverpool are just some of the Arsenal boss's novel techniques in the pursuit of marginal gains.
â Friday, 17 April 2026
But Arteta reportedly took a more literal approach ahead of his side's Champions League quarter final second leg tie with Sporting CP on Wednesday evening.
According to the Athletic, the Spaniard lit a fire in front of the Gunners' squad during a meeting at their London Colney training ground to try and get his point across.
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Whether it had a desired effect is up for debate, given the Premier League leaders only managed a goalless draw against their Portuguese counterparts on home soil.
Arteta might need another party trick up his sleeve before Arsenal's all-important trip to Manchester City, with the hosts able to cut the gap to three points with a win.
đž Mike Hewitt - 2026 Getty Images