Mikel Arteta claims Arsenal have been unfortunate, pointing out that while Liverpool won the title with fewer points in the last two seasons, the Gunners have essentially been competing in 'two different Premier Leagues.
Mikel Arteta feels Arsenal have been unfortunate, as Liverpool secured the Premier League title in the past two seasons despite finishing with fewer points than the Gunners.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Liverpool sealed the title last month with an emphatic 5-1 win over Tottenham, finishing on just 82 points. Meanwhile, Arsenal amassed 89 points last season and 84 the year before—yet on both occasions, they fell short as Manchester City pipped them to the trophy.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Still chasing his first major trophy since winning the 2020 FA Cup in his inaugural season, Arteta argues that the differing point tallies highlight how timing can define success in football. Although Arsenal fell just short in the Premier League once more, they have an opportunity to salvage their campaign with a strong Champions League finish—starting with Wednesday’s crucial semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain.
WHAT ARTETA SAID
In his pre-game press conference, Arteta reflected on the challenges of winning titles, commenting…”We’re going to try to do this season. Winning trophies as well is about being in the right moment, in the right place. Liverpool have won the title with fewer points than we have in the last two seasons. With the points of the last two seasons, we would have two Premier League titles. So, you have to be at the right moment, in the right place. Hopefully, here we are in the right moment, in the right place in Paris tomorrow, to earn the right to be in the final.”
WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Arsenal now shift focus to their Champions League campaign, where dreams of European glory remain within reach. The Gunners face an uphill battle at Parc des Princes, needing to overturn a 1-0 aggregate deficit after Ousmane Dembélé’s first-leg strike gave PSG a slender advantage. With Luis Enrique’s side already crowned Ligue 1 champions, they’ll look to capitalize on their home turf. For Arsenal, a resilient away display is essential to keep alive their ambitions of reaching a first Champions League final in 18 years.
