Mikel Arteta has vowed to end Arsenal’s five-year trophy drought next season after a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United secured their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Declan Rice fired home a brilliant second-half goal from the edge of the penalty area, ending Arsenal’s five-match winless run and confirming a top-five finish in the Premier League.
Despite likely finishing as runners-up for the third consecutive season, there is a prevailing sense among fans and pundits that this campaign has fallen short of expectations. Arsenal never mounted a serious challenge as Liverpool coasted to the title and were knocked out in the semi-finals of both the Champions League and League Cup.
Arteta’s only silverware as Arsenal boss remains the 2020 FA Cup, and the club’s wait for a Premier League title stretches back 21 years.
Speaking to supporters at the Emirates Stadium after the final whistle, Arteta remained optimistic about the future.
“We had a dream, and it was to be here now—or in a week’s time—bringing the big trophies to you guys, but we couldn’t do it for many circumstances,” Arteta said.
“We need to make sure chasing a dream doesn’t get blurry, and make sure we chase the dream with enthusiasm and positivity next season.
“We’ve started to create our own history here in this stadium. There is much more to come, but it won’t be easy.
“We have to do it together. Let me tell you, this group of players have the hunger, quality, and talent—and we are going to make it happen.”
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard echoed Arteta’s sentiments.
“We can be very proud of what we’ve done this season, especially in the Champions League. But we haven’t been good enough in the league,” he admitted.
“We have to take all the experiences—good and bad—and come back better. We feel the pain of not winning, but we’ll come back stronger and bring trophies to this club.”
Newcastle had the better of the first half but couldn’t capitalise on their chances, missing the presence of top scorer Alexander Isak, who was sidelined with a groin injury.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe provided an update on Isak’s condition, expressing uncertainty about the striker’s availability for their crucial final-day clash against Everton on May 25.
“That is unknown. He only felt pain after training,” Howe explained. “He went for a scan this morning, more as a precaution, but it became obvious he wouldn’t be fit to play. A lot will depend on how he reacts in the next couple of days.”
Newcastle, currently third in the table, still control their Champions League destiny. They enter the final day level on points with Chelsea and Aston Villa but hold a superior goal difference.
“We’re in a strong position. This game has gone, and now we just have to focus on getting our game plan right for next week,” said Howe.
“The prize is so big and everyone is fighting for it. We’ve worked hard to get to this point, and now it’s going to the wire. Who knows what twists and turns there will be? We just need one more big effort.”
