Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was thrilled as the team secured Champions League qualification with a crucial win over Newcastle United, but his sights remain firmly set on a bigger goal — chasing the dream of bringing silverware back to the Emirates next season.
He sees Champions League qualification as a proud achievement, particularly in a season where nearly half the Premier League were still in the hunt. With fierce competition, including today’s opponents fighting alongside four other sides for just three remaining spots on the final day, it’s a testament to the team’s consistency and grit.
Mikel is glad to have steered clear of that final-day scramble ahead of next week’s trip to Southampton, but his focus is already on aiming higher — with hopes of celebrating even greater triumphs this time next year.
“I’m really happy with the result, it was a really tough match,” he said in his post-match interview. “We knew that from the beginning they are in really good form and we had to wrap it up”.
“It was a lot of pressure for both teams, for us to finish second and make sure that the Champions League was guaranteed. We have managed to do that in a really convincing way and now on to the last game and then summer plans, reset and go again”.
“We had the highs and the size of the dream was put into delivering a big trophy. That was the aim at the start of the season and unfortunately we cannot deliver that, but make sure that chasing a dream doesn’t blur you, and doesn’t take all the incredible things that this football club is doing, the players are doing, the team is doing, because that’s the icing on the cake”.
“We are really trying and we put the expectations really high. We’re going to do that the same, but with that enthusiasm, not just with: ‘yeah, but, if’ – no, we cannot play like this and we should not do that. We’re going to try to be better, I’ll be the first one, and go again and start the season in the manner that this football club deserves.”
As the players and staff made their lap of appreciation after the final whistle, they were met with heartfelt applause from every corner of the stadium — a fitting tribute from the fans for a season filled with unforgettable moments that will stay with Gooners for years to come.
The Spaniard was full of appreciation for the incredible number of fans who stayed behind to show their support, and made it clear — the hard work starts now to take that next big step forward next season.
“I’m really grateful, thank you so much for staying and supporting the players, the staff, myself, the club. It’s an incredible connection that we have built over the years. We have experienced some of the best memories that this stadium has had in the last 15, 20 years. We still have many more to come, so let’s all push together, and it’s going to happen.”
