Arsenal not under pressure to perform in Champions League says Arteta

There are no added expectations or pressure on Arsenal to perform in the Champions League despite their recent struggles in the Premier League, manager Mikel Arteta said on Tuesday ahead of a last-16 return leg match against PSV Eindhoven.

Arsenal thrashed PSV 7-1 away last week in the first leg and all but guaranteed themselves a quarter-final spot.

However, their performances in the league have not been nearly as promising, with a run of three matches without victory leaving them trailing leaders Liverpool by 15 points, albeit with a game in hand.

They have also been knocked out of the FA Cup and League Cup.

Asked if the Champions League represented their only realistic chance of winning silverware this season, Arteta told reporters: Its a competition that we have a lot of enthusiasm in. A lot of energy, were very consistent.

Winning tomorrow puts us in a very good position, thats it... Its not adding pressure, its the reality of where we are and what we want to deliver.

We are very conscious that the demands of this football club is to reach the highest level and win competitions, thats it.

Arsenal could meet either holders Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in next months quarter-final.

Since the day we had the teams (set out) you are looking at the others for sure, and then the ones we knew as well, Arteta said.

We know them all because they are so good, so you put in your head what if? But thats it, then you have to earn every right to be in that position.

The Spanish manager also hinted at giving some of Arsenals younger players game time against PSV, saying: Weve done that when we could.

Its always great because theyve been extremely helpful and bringing so much to