Arsenal are through to the Champions League semi-finals, but they took the scenic route. A tense, goalless draw against Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates on Wednesday was enough to secure a 1-0 aggregate victory, though the performance left more questions than answers.

Mikel Arteta had called for "pure fire" from his side, but the response was a nervy, disjointed display. Sporting had their chances, but Arsenal's defense held firm to protect the slender lead from the first leg. This marks a historic achievement for the club, reaching the Champions League semi-finals in consecutive seasons for the very first time.

Yet, the celebration is tempered by a worrying dip in form. With just one win in their last five matches across all competitions, including a shocking Premier League loss to Bournemouth, the Gunners' season is at a critical juncture. The fluid, attacking football that defined their campaign has stalled at the worst possible time.

The reward for their perseverance is a semi-final clash with Atletico Madrid, a rematch of October's emphatic 4-0 group stage win for Arsenal. However, replicating that result against Diego Simeone's notoriously resilient side will require a dramatic return to their best form.

All eyes now turn to a monumental Premier League showdown this Sunday. Arsenal, clinging to a six-point lead, travel to face a Manchester City side with a game in hand. After seeing substantial leads evaporate in the final stretches of the last two seasons, the Gunners' mental fortitude and championship pedigree face the ultimate test. The quest for a first Champions League title and a first Premier League crown since 2004 is alive, but the path just got a lot rockier.