Arsenal faces Atalanta in Champions League opener on Thursday

Arsenal is gearing up for a significant match against Atalanta in the Champions League, set for Thursday. This encounter follows a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tottenham in the north London derby, marking their third win in four league games this season. Jorginho, who has stepped in for the injured Declan Rice, has urged the team to leverage this match as a crucial moment to build momentum ahead of their challenging fixture against Manchester City this weekend. Mikel Arteta's squad is currently two points behind league leaders City and cannot afford to lose in Manchester. The team has shown resilience, with an impressive record of ten wins in their last eleven away league games. However, they are also aware of the pressure that comes with opening their Champions League campaign, especially since they have never claimed the title before. Arteta, who recently extended his contract, believes in the character of his players, stating that they possess the determination and 'thick skin' necessary to succeed. He emphasized the importance of embracing the challenges that come with winning, which often involves gritty performances. Atalanta, fresh off a victory against Fiorentina, will present a tough challenge for Arsenal. Jorginho acknowledged the physical nature of the upcoming match, highlighting the need for Arsenal to be prepared for a demanding encounter in Italy.