Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta, has vowed to end the club’s five-year trophy drought next season after securing a Champions League spot with a 1-0 win over Newcastle.
Declan Rice’s superb second-half strike ensured Arsenal finished in the Premier League’s top five, likely as runners-up for the third consecutive campaign.
Despite the disappointment of not winning the title, Arteta expressed his optimism for the future, saying: “We had a dream, and it was to be here now, or in a week’s time and bringing the big trophies to you guys but we couldn’t do it for many circumstances.
”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.”
Arteta added, “We have started to create our own history here in the 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 Odegaard echoed Arteta’s sentiments, saying: “We can be very proud of what we have done this season, especially in the Champions League.
‘:But we have not been good enough in the league. We have to take all the experiences, good and bad, and come back better.
”And we will take that pain of not winning but come back stronger and bring trophies to this club.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is uncertain about the availability of Alexander Isak for their final match against Everton due to a groin injury.
 Howe said, “that is unknown. He only felt pain after training. He went for a scan this morning, more as a precaution, but it became obvious he would be fit to play.
” A lot will depend on how he reacts in the next couple of days.”
Newcastle’s Champions League fate remained in their hands, and they would start the final day level on points with Chelsea and Aston Villa.
Howe emphasised the importance of their final match, saying: “The prize is so big and everyone is fighting for it.
”We have worked hard to get the job done and now it is going to go to the end. Who knows what twists and turns there will be. We just need one more big effort.”
AFP
