Mikel Arteta: Home clash with Villarreal is ‘crucial moment’ of Arsenal’s season

"We know that the semi-final is the crucial moment of the season.”

Mikel Arteta has stressed the importance of Arsenal’s Europa League semi-final (John Walton/PA)

Mikel Arteta takes his Arsenal side to face Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday but has conceded it is Thursday night’s clash with Villarreal that will make or break their season.

With the Gunners already 12 points adrift of the top four heading into the weekend, their chances of qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since 2017 appear slim.