Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal's gritty, nerve-wracking progression to the Champions League semi-finals is a testament to their character, a vital trait as the pressure mounts to end their six-year trophy drought.

The Gunners secured their spot in the final four with a tense 0-0 draw against Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates, advancing 1-0 on aggregate. While far from their free-flowing best, they dug deep to hold on, with Sporting's Geny Catamo coming closest by rattling the post in the first half.

This performance continues a recent trend of stuttering form, with just one win in their last five matches across all competitions. Yet, for Arteta, the ability to grind out a crucial result when not at their peak is a championship-quality trait.

"We are not perfect, we recognise that, but there is value in what the players have done," Arteta stated. "My message was gratitude for the effort they put in. We had to do it in a very special way, missing a lot of important players."

The manager highlighted the immense effort of Declan Rice, who played the full 94 minutes despite being unable to train the day before due to illness. Rice's tenacity embodied the spirit Arteta demands. "He is a great leader and a top player for us," Arteta said, praising the midfielder's commitment.

As Arsenal prepares for a monumental semi-final clash, this hard-fought victory serves as a reminder that resilience and collective spirit are just as important as flair on the path to silverware.