MIKEL ARTETA shut down a reporter after being asked a revealing question ahead of the clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal travel to France to take on the Ligue giants in the Champions League on Wednesday.
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The clash is the second leg of the semi-final, with the Gunners losing the reverse fixture at the Emirates.
Ousmane Dembele’s goal was enough to hand Paris Saint-Germain a crucial advantage before the game at the Parc des Princes.
However, after Arsenal lost 2-1 to Bournemouth in the Premier League, Arteta had to go and face the media.
He was asked if his players “did you feel any physical or mental fatigue at all?”.
To which, Arteta quickly dismissed the suggestion with “No.”
He added: “Not mental, fatigue is true but a lot of players had to start.
“They were probably conditioned for something else.”
Arsenal were the stronger team in the first half against the Cherries.
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Declan Rice netted the opener after a neat move saw him one-on-one and go around Kepa Arrizabalaga.
However, the hosts tired in the second half as goals from Dean Huijsen and Evanilson flipped the scores.
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Arteta did insist that he and his players would take the “anger” from the match forward.
He claimed that they would use it against the French.
He added: “It did not create the right momentum.
“It certainly created a lot of anger, frustration, rage, disappointment and let’s use all of that for Wednesday.
“That is what we have to do.”
The Spaniard was also asked about the fitness of absentee Jurrien Timber.
The Dutchman missed the game against the Cherries but could be back for the Champions League fixture.
Arteta said: “Yeah there is a chance.”
When pushed for more info, he said it is “for the doctor”.
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