LONDON — Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has challenged his players to use the disappointment of this season, including giving Premier League champions Liverpool a guard of honour on Sunday, as motivation to reclaim top honours next year.
After falling short in both the Premier League and Champions League, Arteta admitted that Arsenal have taken a step backwards this season. The Gunners’ European campaign ended in heartbreak with a 2-1 aggregate loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, despite a strong showing in the second leg.
Now, Arsenal face the difficult task of honoring Arne Slot’s Liverpool at Anfield — a reminder of their unfulfilled title ambitions.
“Something has to drive you, motivate you, and pain is a good one to use,” said Arteta. “If somebody is better, you have to accept it and try to reach that level.”
The Spaniard drew criticism for calling Arsenal “the best team” in this season’s Champions League despite their exit, a stance he maintained: “I’m watching all the stats… it’s crystal clear who was better.”
Injuries to key players like Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka, coupled with the club’s failure to sign a striker in January, proved costly. Arteta didn’t mince words about the missed opportunity. “I want the best team, the best players. If we have three goalscorers over 25, bring them in.”
Reflecting on their Premier League campaign, Arteta conceded: “We’ve done a step backwards… But with the points we’ve generated in recent seasons, we could have won two titles. We are there.”
Arsenal, still without a major trophy since 2020, will look to regroup and strengthen ahead of next season, aiming to end their two-decade league title drought.
