Mikel Arteta has admitted that he doubted himself during the most difficult periods of Arsenal’s title chase. He has revealed that there were moments where he wondered if someone else might need to come in and finish the job – before brushing those thoughts aside with the most gratifying two words of his coaching career.
“There were doubts. It was understandable that I could take them this far, but maybe someone else had to come and do the final job. But thank goodness we have managed it. I feel a lot of joy – and a little bit of faith,” says a clearly moved Arteta.
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Perfect end to Selhurst Park
Arsenal secured the Premier League title in the most appropriate way. They beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park on the very last day of the season. Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke scored on opposite sides of the break, before captain Martin Ødegaard lifted the trophy in the sunshine away from home.
Arteta fielded a strong rotation in the team with a view to the Champions League final against PSG in Budapest next Saturday. Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, William Saliba, Gabriel and David Raya were among those who were rested.
How Arsenal decided the game
Jesus broke the deadlock after 42 minutes when he headed the ball past Dean Henderson after being played up by Gabriel Martinelli. Shortly after half-time, Madueke doubled the lead when he elegantly fired a volley after Kai Havertz intelligently nodded down from a corner beaten by Martín Zubimendi. Jean-Philippe Mateta headed in a consolation goal for Palace in injury time, but it couldn’t dampen the celebrations.
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“Look at the joy of all people”
Arteta was overwhelmed with emotion as he reflected on what the title means to the club’s supporters.
“It was beautiful. Look at the joy of all the people. They have been waiting for this for so long. We’ve had difficult moments along the way, but it’s worth it when you see that kind of reaction. Now it’s time to enjoy and take off the manager’s hat,” he says.
Arteta also spoke about the qualities that have defined this group throughout a season that started with ambitions for the Champions League and ended with both a domestic title and a European final to play.
“I think we showed an incredible connection, commitment and courage. Everything around us has driven our desire to do so.
“We have an incredible ownership. Through the tough times, what you really see is people. They have incredible values and know the sport better than any of us. They are committed to the project we have delivered. They have been decisive.
Kroenke touched: “If anyone deserves this, it’s this group”
Co-chairman Josh Kroenke, speaking at Selhurst Park in the middle of the celebrations, was clearly moved by what the moment meant to both the club and the supporters.
“You can see, feel and hear what this means. All the fans behind me are overwhelmed with emotion after 22 years. If anyone deserves this, it is this group,” says Kroenke.
“This club means everything to us. I think it took a few years to realize what it really meant, but we have great people, players and coaches. We just have to keep providing the resources to do magical things like they did this season.
“It’s incredibly special. It burns slower than our championships in the United States when you have the playoff system. The points system is a struggle. Credit to the staff, players and Mikel for keeping a cool head. They deserve it.
