Arsenal Clinch Champions League Spot

'We are unsatisfied and upset' - Arteta on Arsenal season

Mikel Arteta expressed frustration, saying he is "unsatisfied and upset" as Arsenal conclude another season without a major trophy, despite a 1-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday, their final home match at the Emirates Stadium. The result secures a Champions League spot for next season, but it marks five years since the Gunners’ last major honor—the FA Cup in 2020.

The “Magpies” from south London started aggressively, pressuring Arsenal’s defense, but goalkeeper Raya’s crucial saves kept them at bay. Ten minutes into the second half, Rice’s long-range strike broke the deadlock, while Newcastle’s later shots flew over the crossbar, leaving them empty-handed.

Arsenal stay second with 71 points, 5 points ahead of Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa. Manchester City, with two games left, could match their points, but the goal difference gap makes surpassing them unlikely. Reflecting on the season, Arteta added, “We are unsatisfied and upset. But I think we are on the right trajectory.”

Arteta said he is ready to "give his life" to deliver a trophy for Arsenal.

"Liverpool have a trophy - we don't have a trophy," Arteta, who has delivered one FA Cup since he was appointed head coach in December 2019, said in his media conference.

"We are unsatisfied and upset. But I think we are on the right trajectory."

"What I can promise is that I will do my very best [to win a trophy] and I will give my life, and get every drop of everybody here to squeeze it and get the best out of them."

Asked whether he thought fans still backed him, Arteta added: "That's what I feel but they want more, they have expectations. We need to believe we are going to do it together."

Some fans had left the stadium when Arteta stepped on to the pitch minutes after the final whistle to thank supporters for their backing this season.

"We had a dream, it was to be here or in a week's time and bring the big trophies to you guys and we couldn't do it for many circumstances," he said.

"We need to make sure that chasing a dream doesn't get blurry and make sure we chase the dream with positivity and enthusiasm for next season.

"We have to start creating our own history here in this stadium and we started this season. There is much more to come and it won't be easy. These players have the talent.

"We need to rest and finish at Southampton and then go on holiday."

Arsenal will secure a third successive second-placed finish in the Premier League if they avoid defeat at already-relegated Southampton on the final day of the season next Sunday.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c0qgnwxz4v2o