Mikel Arteta: ‘We vowed to help Arsenal win the Premier League’

Manager Mikel Arteta has revealed an inspiring meeting with the Arsenal squad shortly after the end of last season, when the players expressed their fierce determination to win the Premier League title next season.

In an interview before the Premier League opener , Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta shared about a special meeting that took place right after the 2022/2023 season ended. This meeting was not just a regular summary, but also a place to show the team’s strong determination to conquer the Premier League summit in the upcoming season.

“We had a meeting with the whole club and the players told me: ‘We will be better, we will do it, we want more, we have to win’ . They are the ones who drive that ambition. So that’s always positive,” Arteta said .

The meeting took place just hours after Manchester City officially won the Premier League title, while Arsenal had to settle for second place with a gap of just two points.

Mikel Arteta believes his players are ready to continue the title race. Photo: Getty.
However, instead of being discouraged, the Arsenal team was even more determined. Also attending the meeting were senior figures in the board, including co-chairman Josh Kroenke, and the families of the players.

Arteta stressed that his team still has a lot of potential to improve: ” In my opinion, we are not perfect yet. This team has many levels to reach, and they give me reason to believe that with the way they train and play every day. I believe there is still a lot to improve.”

Looking back at last season, Arsenal had an impressive run of form, breaking a number of records, including the highest points tally (89) and the most wins in their Premier League history. However, Arteta insists that this will not be enough to secure the title next season:

“Breaking more records, definitely getting more points. 89 points won’t be enough. With the level we’re competing at and every season getting tougher, we’ll have to improve even more.”
Takehiro Tomiyasu will not play in Arsenal’s opening match. Photo: PA.
Arteta also compared the challenge ahead to conquering new heights: “It’s like you’re trying to climb the highest mountain, swim the most difficult lake in the world and you’re surrounded by people trying to achieve the same ambition. We’re definitely going to try.”

Asked about Arsenal’s readiness for the new season, Arteta confidently declared: “We’ve missed the league for many weeks, it’s been too long for us. We’re eager to start, we’re looking forward to playing. 
Mikel Arteta hopes the Gunners will win the Premier League in the 2024/25 season. Photo: PA.
Last season brought many challenges, but we adjusted and adapted to other teams, different stadiums and different conditions. We see this as a great opportunity and a worthwhile challenge. The team is now sharper and more focused than ever.”

Arsenal will begin their Premier League campaign with a home game against Wolves on Saturday. With a high level of determination and thorough preparation, the Gunners are ready to create a memorable season, with the ultimate goal of winning the Premier League trophy that eluded them last season.