Arsenal set to begin Liverpool clash with gesture that could fuel next season’s title charge

Gidibam Web2 weeks ago

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Image credit: Getty Images

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that his side will give newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool a guard of honour when the two teams clash at Anfield on Sunday.

Although not mandated by Premier League regulations, offering a guard of honour has become a respected tradition in English football to honour title-winning sides. Liverpool received similar recognition from Chelsea last weekend at Stamford Bridge and will now be honoured again by Arsenal.

The Gunners have previously paid the same tribute to Liverpool at the end of the 2019–20 season, also under Arteta’s management. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, the Spaniard said Liverpool are fully deserving of the gesture.

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“They deserve that,” said Arteta. “They’ve been the best team, they’ve been the most consistent. What Arne [Slot] and the coaching staff have done has been fascinating. It’s been really good and they fully deserve it. And that’s the sport—when somebody is better, you have to applaud, accept it, and try to reach that level.”

Arsenal - Mikel Arteta — ***Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (Image credit: Getty Images)***

Arsenal had been in contention for the Premier League title earlier in the campaign but have fallen off the pace in recent weeks. A home defeat to Bournemouth last weekend dealt a serious blow to their hopes of finishing in the top two.

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With just three fixtures remaining—against Liverpool, Newcastle, and relegated Southampton—Arsenal are now focused on securing Champions League qualification. They will likely need at least one more win to make that certain, and a second-place finish depends on matching or bettering Manchester City’s remaining results.

Arteta admitted that while offering a guard of honour to a direct rival is painful, it could serve as fuel for his players moving forward.

“Something has to drive you, motivate you, and pain probably is a good one to use sometimes,” he said. “When you don’t really want to do something but it’s the right thing to do, use it as a motivation for next season.”