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Mikel Arteta has pledged to bring silverware back to Arsenal next season after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Newcastle confirmed the club’s return to Champions League football.
Declan Rice was the match-winner at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, firing home a superb second-half strike from the edge of the box to end Arsenal’s five-game winless run and secure a top-five finish in the Premier League.
Although the Gunners are likely to end the season as runners-up for the third year running, many within the club’s fanbase see the campaign as a missed opportunity. Arsenal fell short in the title race, unable to keep up with champions Liverpool, and exited both the Champions League and the League Cup at the semi-final stage.
Arteta, whose only major trophy since taking charge remains the 2020 FA Cup, acknowledged the disappointment but struck a defiant tone when addressing supporters after the full-time whistle.
“We had a dream — to be here now or next week with big trophies to show you — but we couldn’t do it, for many reasons,” Arteta told the Emirates crowd. “But we must not lose sight of that dream. We need to keep chasing it with enthusiasm and belief next season.”
The Spaniard added: “We’ve started creating our own history at this stadium, and there’s much more to come. It won’t be easy, but we’ll do it together. This group of players has the hunger, the quality and the talent — and we are going to make it happen.”
Captain Martin Ødegaard echoed his manager’s sentiments, insisting the team will use the season’s frustrations as motivation.
“We can be proud of a lot this season, especially in the Champions League,” said the Norwegian midfielder. “But we’ve not been good enough in the league. We need to learn from the experience, feel the pain, and come back stronger to win trophies.”
Newcastle, meanwhile, were left to reflect on missed opportunities in the absence of top scorer Alexander Isak, who missed the trip to London with a groin injury.
Eddie Howe’s side created the better chances in the first half but couldn’t convert, leaving their Champions League hopes hanging in the balance ahead of their final game of the season against Everton on 25 May.
The Magpies are level on points with Chelsea and Aston Villa, with only goal difference keeping them in third place. Manchester City, currently sixth with a game in hand, could yet overtake them.
Speaking after the match, Howe said it was still uncertain whether Isak would be fit for next weekend. “He felt some discomfort after training,” Howe revealed. “He went for a scan this morning more as a precaution, but it was clear he wouldn’t be fit to play.”
Reflecting on Newcastle’s situation, Howe said: “We’re still in a strong position. The game’s gone now — we focus on preparing properly for next week. The prize is so big and we’ve worked so hard to get here. Now it comes down to one final effort. Who knows what twists and turns there might be?”
