Mikel Arteta urged Arsenal to use the frustration of having to give Liverpool champions an honor guard Sunday as a fuel to win the title of the Premier League next season after admitting that they went “behind” this quarter. The Arteta team is intended to finish the season without a major trophy after failing to keep the pace of Liverpool and crash the semi-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday. The 2-1 defeat of the Gunners against Paris Saint-Germain ended his attempt to win the tournament for the first time.
It was a painful loss for Arsenal, who created a multitude of chances in the early stadiums of the return match, but did not find a way to pass the Guardian of PSG Inspired Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Always licking their injuries from disappointment in Paris, Arsenal is heading for Anfield this weekend for the uncomfortable task of watching the title celebrations in Liverpool.
The men of Arne Slot wrapped the title two weeks ago, leaving Arsenal in second position dragged in their wake.
After finishing as a finalist at Manchester City for the two previous seasons, the North Londoners have been with a title since 2004.
“Something should lead you, motivate you, and the pain is good to use, when you really want to do something. This is the right thing to do, generally as a motivation for next season,” Arteta said about the Arsenal Honorary Guard for the Champions.
“They were the best team, they were the most consistent and what Arne and the coach staff have been fascinating was really good.
“They fully deserve it, and it’s sport. If someone is better, you have to accept it and try to reach this level.”
Arteta sparked criticism in certain districts for saying that Arsenal was the best team in the Champions League this season despite their last four outings.
The Spaniard was held near his complaint a few days later, saying: “100%. I look at the impact, I look at all the statistics because they were the best statistics and the best difference in goals in the semi-final, so it’s very clear.
“When you look at the important statistics that normally give you the best platform to win football matches, it is clear that was better.”
Arsenal’s failure to sign an attacker in the January transfer window was a major blow in a season spoiled by long absences of injuries for Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka at various stages.
“In January, it was clear or not? I made a very clear statement, and the declaration continues the same thing. I want the best team, the best players. If we have three scorers over 25, will bring them, we will be a much better team, yes,” said Arteta.
Arteta conceded that Arsenal has not been able to match his expectations this season.
But it is categorical, they have the quality to end the drought of the club’s five years of the club.
“In the Premier League, we took a step back. With the points we created, it is clear that we did not do as well as last season, it is obvious,” he said.
“But with the number of points we have generated in recent seasons, we could have two leading leagues.
“So we know how close we are. We are there, we provide the figures that earn you. We must be a little lucky, but better make sure that no one has a better season than you.”
(With the exception of the title, this story has not been published by NDTV staff and is published from a unionized flow.)
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