Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s Premier League triumph was driven by the mentality and profile of the squad assembled at the club over recent seasons.
After three consecutive runners-up finishes, Arsenal finally reclaimed the Premier League crown for the first time in 22 years, with summer arrivals Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Martín Zubimendi playing major roles alongside established stars like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and David Raya.
Reflecting on the title-winning campaign, Arteta admitted the feeling around the squad had been different from the very beginning of the season.
“Because someone up there must have aligned the planets to make it happen. In previous years we’ve come close, but something was missing.
“The feeling has been different from the start, perhaps the type of player… but the consistency has been similar. I was convinced we’d be very close.
“Not to winning, as that depends on so many things. My job has been to convince them that they’re the best, as there were moments of doubt.
“I gave them energy and told them to have fun like never before.”
The Spaniard described the Premier League triumph as the reward for years of rebuilding the club and shaping a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
“Yes, it has been [worth it]. The best part of this has been the journey. We’ve done this with people who are truly worthy and who have demonstrated values, courage, honesty, resilience, unity, and a willingness to face our vulnerabilities time and again.
“I’ve often wondered whether I’m the right person for the job, whether I’m the ideal person to lead them.
“And you don’t know the answer until you’ve actually done it. I’m very proud that we’ve done it our way.”
Arteta also highlighted the club’s ability to navigate injuries and maintain consistency across multiple competitions.
“If I’d put those injuries into a computer program and asked what our chances were of winning the Premier League, it would have given us a 2% chance. And I wasn’t going to settle for that.
“We’ve had to find other ways, using our resources and strengths, to remain just as competitive in the 60-odd matches we’ve played so far, given the demands of the competition.”
With the Premier League title secured, Arsenal now turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest.
Arteta believes the domestic triumph has removed pressure from his players ahead of the showdown with the defending European champions.
“There’s a sense of joy, and another of a weight being lifted, of relief.
“It’s like saying, ‘We’ve got this now.’ And we must now channel that into a wave of emotion, excitement and determination to win the Champions League.”
The Arsenal boss also praised PSG manager Luis Enrique, calling him an inspiration after leading the French side to a historic treble last season.
“As a coach, he is someone who has had the leadership to go his own way and, despite all the criticism, stick to his guns and ultimately succeed in the way he has.
“He is an inspiration to us all.”
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