Before Arsenal's home match against Lille in the Champions League, manager Arteta spoke with TNT Sports about the heartbreak of losing a penalty shootout in last season's Champions League final, his team's objectives this season, and Martin Odegaard's performance. He expressed hope that the team would get another chance to compete for the Champions League title and "replay that shootout and win it."

Since May 2024, Arsenal, under Arteta's leadership, have not lost a Champions League match in 90 minutes of regular play. In their unbeaten run across European competitions, they secured nine consecutive victories in the Champions League group stage; extending into the 2024/25 season, this record has reached 13 consecutive group-stage wins.

On Tuesday night, Lille will travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal. However, Arsenal's record of 16 consecutive matches unbeaten in 90 minutes in the Champions League includes the loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. The match went to a penalty shootout, where Gabriel missed Arsenal's fifth penalty, and PSG ultimately lifted the trophy.

Reflecting on that final, Arteta believes that penalty shootouts are largely a matter of luck, and the best way to overcome the pain of defeat is to continue winning.

Arteta said: "When you reach a Champions League final without losing a match, winning nearly every game, showing such dominance, and then ultimately lose the Champions League final because of one penalty, one chance, or one defensive action, what more can I say about this team and everything they've done?"

"We came closer than ever to achieving something historic for this football club. And a penalty is a shootout. Hopefully, we can replay that shootout and win it."

"The happiest thing, the thing that can make us and makes us feel happiest, is winning football matches. That's the best medicine for everyone."

"The best fitness coach in the world is continuing to win, win, win, and win again. When that happens, everyone is involved, they all feel important, and that feeds into your mental state as well."

Arsenal's next opponent is Lille, the 2021 Ligue 1 champions. Lille currently sit second in the table, two points ahead of defending champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Lille are managed by Davide Ancelotti, son of Carlo Ancelotti. This is only his second permanent managerial role, having previously managed Botafogo in Brazil for five months.

However, Arteta is taking his opponent seriously. Notably, Lille drew 2-2 with Paris Saint-Germain in August, having led 2-0 and maintained their two-goal advantage until the 91st minute.

Arteta said: "I think we have to raise our standards because the level of this competition is improving every year. We certainly have experience, and we believe we can do it, and that's what we must build on."

"We have to respect every opponent because the quality in this competition is very high. We'll face Lille next, they are an excellent team, and we must earn the right to win through our performance."

In Arsenal's most recent Champions League match, Martin Odegaard was the hero, scoring a stunning goal in the 75th minute to secure a 1-0 victory against Napoli.

Arteta believes the Norwegian midfielder still has enormous potential to develop further. Martin Odegaard has scored four goals this season, quadruple the one goal he scored in the previous season.

Arteta said: "He has the hunger and ambition to improve every day, he always wants to keep progressing, to find ways to develop himself, and to find ways to have a greater impact on the team. He has that drive."

"Martin is someone who never stops striving to improve—that's his nature—and that's reflected in how he views himself and how he treats others. I believe he can still reach new heights."

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