Mikel Arteta has declared that "titles are core to football clubs," emphasizing Arsenal's pursuit of silverware across all four competitions this season. His remarks came during a press conference on 10/1, ahead of Arsenal's FA Cup third-round match against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on 11/1.

Arteta underscored the club's ambition: "We want the FA Cup, and all other major titles. That is what Arsenal is working towards and the goal for this team." He acknowledged the ultimate measure of success, stating, "Ultimately, we will be judged on what we achieve at the end of the season. What happened last week no longer matters. Titles are core to football clubs, although there are many other factors to build upon."

Coach Mikel Arteta during Arsenal's training session on 10/1. Photo: Arsenal FC

Arsenal is currently competing on all four fronts this season. They lead the Premier League by 6 points and are the only team with a perfect record in the Champions League, having won all 6 group stage matches. Following the trip to Portsmouth today, Arsenal faces a demanding schedule, including the first leg of their League Cup semi-final against Chelsea on 14/1.

Arteta's sole major trophy with Arsenal was the FA Cup in the 2019-2020 season, which was disrupted by Covid-19. During that campaign, the "Gunners" overcame Portsmouth in the fifth round before defeating Chelsea in the final at an empty Wembley Stadium. Arteta himself tested positive for Covid-19 just 11 days after the victory at Fratton Park. Recalling that period, the Spanish coach shared, "To be honest, I didn't feel well. When the team scored, I just wanted to go home because I was shaking and very tired. But that's an old story now."

Arsenal's last defeat to Portsmouth dates back to March 1958, in one of the most dramatic encounters between the two sides. Trailing 0-4 after just 30 minutes, the "Gunners" mounted a comeback, scoring 4 goals to equalize before Johnny Gordon secured a 5-4 victory in the 75th minute. Since then, Arsenal has remained unbeaten against Portsmouth for the past 67 years. Even during Portsmouth's return to the Premier League from 2003 to 2009, Arsenal maintained their advantage, including two 1-1 draws in the 2003-2004 "Invincibles" season under Arsene Wenger. Arsenal also secured 4 consecutive wins against Portsmouth before their relegation, including a 4-1 triumph at Fratton Park.

Coach Mikel Arteta holds the Cup after Arsenal defeated Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 1/8/2020. Photo: AFP

Given the busy fixture list, with this being the third of 9 matches this month, Arteta is expected to rotate his squad against the lower-ranked opponent. A notable player potentially returning is Kai Havertz, who has been sidelined since the opening match of the season due to knee surgery. Arteta commented on the expectations for his players: "When a player wears the Arsenal shirt, the only requirement is excellence. Kai understands that very well. He has returned to training, gradually increased his workload, and responded very well. It would be great if we could have him back."

Conversely, Arsenal will be without Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera, and Max Dowman due to injuries. Piero Hincapie remains doubtful after being forced off during the 0-0 draw against Liverpool mid-week.