Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has extended his congratulations to Liverpool following their triumphant capture of the 2024/25 Premier League title, but admitted that missing out yet again has been “very painful” for his side.
Liverpool secured the championship in emphatic fashion on Sunday, overwhelming Tottenham Hotspur 5–1 at Anfield. The win placed them beyond the reach of second-placed Arsenal, sealing the title with four matches still to play.
For Arsenal, it’s a familiar heartbreak. This marks the third consecutive season in which the Gunners have fallen short in the title race, despite promising performances and periods of strong form.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Arteta was gracious in defeat, acknowledging the Reds’ consistency and strength in depth.
I take the opportunity to congratulate Liverpool and what they’ve done, the manner in which they’ve done it, and how consistent they’ve been,” Arteta said. “They fully deserve to win it. They were the better team. They had so many attributes and consistently had their squad available.”
While applauding Liverpool’s excellence, Arteta didn’t hide his disappointment with Arsenal’s campaign.
It’s very painful. I understand they’ve been more consistent and had the ingredients to win, but it hurts big time.”
Injuries have played a major role in Arsenal’s struggles. Six key players—including Gabriel Magalhães, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Jorginho, and Riccardo Calafiori—are currently sidelined. Thomas Partey was also suspended for the Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, which Arsenal lost 1–0.
I was very shocked just before the PSG game at home; I walked into the dressing room and saw all of them together—Tomiyasu, Calafiori, Gabriel, Partey, Havertz, Jesus, and Jorginho. I said, ‘That’s a starting line-up.’ And we haven’t had them for many months.”
Despite the title disappointment, Arteta is urging his players to finish the season on a high. Arsenal currently hold a five-point lead over third-placed Newcastle, with four matches remaining. A top-two finish is well within reach, and with five Premier League clubs set to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, the Gunners are focused on solidifying their spot among Europe’s elite.
