Handbrake Off: The Athletic FC's Arsenal show 8 wins from 8 as Arsenal top UCL league phase
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Jan 29, 2026 They unpack Arsenal’s 3-2 win and the significance of going 8 wins from 8 in the UCL group stage. The panel praise Gabriel Martinelli’s direct impact and discuss Kai Havertz’s promising return to the starting lineup. They debate Arteta’s call to embrace the run, the challenge for creative players to settle, and weigh up likely knockout opponents ahead.
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Embrace Risk While Retaining Perspective
- Enjoy the run but treat every match with conviction and courage to win trophies.
- Embrace risk and keep perspective rather than becoming overly cautious.
Arteta’s 'Boat' As A Mindset
- Mikel Arteta framed the next four months as a mindset of enjoyment, courage and conviction.
- The club and supporters are invited to 'jump on the boat' to embrace ambition during the run-in.
Adventurous Play Replaced Caution
- Arsenal showed more adventurous, higher-risk play in the Champions League group phase compared to cautious recent displays.
- That style can inspire fans and may be the approach Arteta wants in pressure games.