Despite a 5-1 victory against Everton at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal missed out on Champions League qualifying after losing to Newcastle on Monday hence claiming he’s still troubled by the loss.
The Gunners concluded the Premier League season in fifth position, with goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah, Cedric Soares, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal would have finished fourth if Spurs had collapsed at Carrow Road. But Arteta thought the damage had already been done with the 2-0 setback at St James’ Park, which meant their fate was no longer in their own hands.
‘We knew we needed a miracle, but it never came. That’s it. ‘At the conclusion of the season, the league table doesn’t lie,’ Arteta stated.
‘It’s true that Chelsea won the Champions League last season with 67 points. We have 69 points and are out. But that is the current level and demands of this competition. I am unable to appraise the season at this time”.
“I’m sorry, but I’m still in a lot of pain from what occurred, and I’d need a fair appraisal of how well we did.’
‘What I can assure you is that we have squeezed the lemon as hard as we possibly could to extract every last drop.’ We have arrived at our destination.
‘We already know where we need to go. The shame of not achieving that level is excruciating.’
When asked how much enjoyment he gets from qualifying for the Europa League, Arteta answered, ‘To be honest, I don’t get much.’ I’m still in discomfort today.
‘That’s why I need the dust to settle and a few days off because I don’t think I’ll be able to reflect the season as it is now.’