Arteta savours Arsenal’s ‘beautiful’ trophy celebration

LONDON: Mikel Arteta praised Arsenal’s “commitment and courage” after the Premier League champions’ “beautiful” trophy celebration following Sunday’s 2-1 win at Crystal Palace.

Arteta’s side had wrapped up their first title for 22 years after second-placed Manchester City drew with Bournemouth on Tuesday.

In action for the first time as champions since 2004, the Gunners wrapped up their domestic campaign with a 26th league win thanks to goals from Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke at Selhurst Park.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was presented with the trophy on the pitch after the final whistle in a joyous scene in front of thousands of the club’s ecstatic fans.

“That was beautiful. Look at the joy of all of the people, they have been waiting for this for so long,” Arteta said after being thrown into the air by his jubilant players.

“We have had difficult moments along the way but it is all worth it when you see that kind of reaction. Now it is time to enjoy and take the manager hat off.”

Saluting his players’ refusal to surrender after difficult moments earlier in the season, including a defeat at title rivals City and a League Cup final loss to Pep Guardiola’s men, Arteta added: “I think we showed an incredible connection, commitment and courage. Everything around us has fuelled our desire to do it.”

Arteta admitted he sometimes questioned whether Arsenal would ever win the title after three successive runners-up finishes, including blowing substantial leads in the 2023 and 2024 title races.

“There were doubts. It was understanding that I was able to take them this far but maybe someone else has to come and do the final job. But thank god we have done it. I feel a lot of joy,” he said.

“I doubted myself. It is part of the job. There are many things that are out of my control and that is why you need the best people around you.”

Arteta hailed Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke and the club’s hierarchy, who supported him throughout a six-year trophy drought.

Kroenke and his son Josh carried the Premier League trophy onto the pitch prior to the presentation ceremony.

The north London club can complete the greatest season in their history by winning the Champions League for the first time next weekend.

Arteta’s men face Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Budapest on May 30.

“We have an incredible ownership. Through the tough times is when you really see people,” Arteta said.

“They have incredible values and know the sport better than any of us. They have committed to the project that we have delivered. They have been instrumental.” — AFP

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المصدر: New Straits Times