Mikel Arteta opens up on past disappointments, looks ahead to “finalizing the business” in title chases

This is as close as Arsenal have been to a big trophy in a long time. They are not just in the running for one major title, but the two biggest trophies, the most desired trophies, and the most difficult trophies to win. It’s been a long time coming for Mikel Arteta, and he is intent on getting the job done over the next few weeks.

Aresnal “should have” more trophies

Just a few days before Arsenal’s match against an already relegated Burnley side, Mikel Arteta gave an interview with Sky Sports as he prepares his side for the final push of both the Premier League and the Champions League. Arsenal have three more matches, and two titles on the table. It could be a dream end to a long drought, and it’s so close the Gunners can almost smell it.

After three consecutive runner up finishes in the Premier League, the Spanish manager has admitted that with the way his side have played over the last few years, they are a bit unfortunate not to have added to the trophy cabinet yet. “When you see the trajectory and what we’ve built in the last few years, and especially in the last four years in terms of consistency, the amount of points and wins, we should have a few big trophies already.”

After retiring from his playing career, Arteta went right into coaching, hoping aboard the staff of fellow Spaniard Pep Guardiola. He spent three years under Pep before joining Arsenal, and instantly turning them into one of Manchester City’s toughest rivals. Since joining Arsenal in 2019 he has won an FA Cup and a Community Shield, but the goal has always been to lift the Premier League trophy and they could be crowned champions as early as next week.

Buisness not finalized yet

The Gunners host the Clarets on Monday night with a chance to go five points ahead of City. Should they win and Pep’s side fail to secure all three points against Bournemouth on Tuesday night, than the 22 year Premier League drought will have come to an end. Should City win then it will all come down to the final weekend when Arsenal take on a Crystal Palace team with a UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on their minds.

Arteta knows it’s close, but it’s not over yet. Recent heartbreak should only prepare his team more for the difficult road ahead. “We still have to make that step of finalising the business and that’s the opportunity we have in the next three days,” said Arteta of a must win match against a Burnley side that haven’t won a game since early February.

In his seventh year at the club Arteta has a chance to finally get the best of his managing mentor, but he will have to fill the gap at right back left by Ben White who joined Jurrien Timber on the list of players who will be unavailable for Monday’s match. The task is clear, says Arteta. “The team has shown that for the last 10 months. There are three games to go now. The only one that matters now is Burnley and with the circumstances we have and certain injuries, how can we go out there and be the best version of ourselves?”

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