What Mikel Arteta has told Arsenal players ahead of final day clash v Southampton
Image credit: Getty Images
Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal will not take their foot off the gas when they face Southampton on Sunday, despite having little left to play for on the final day of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
The Gunners are all but assured of second place behind champions Manchester City, with only an unlikely eight-goal swing able to knock them off the runners-up spot. Still, Arteta is determined for his side to end the campaign in style.
Speaking ahead of the trip to St Mary’s, Arteta stressed the importance of maintaining high standards and finishing strong after a gruelling season that has seen Arsenal play 58 matches across all competitions.
READ MORE: Ian Wright says Arsenal Women have “saved the club” after historic Champions League triumph over Barcelona
“There’s motivation because you want to have as many points as possible,” said Arteta. “You are always here representing this club to win and to play in the manner that we want to do. We still want to achieve the best defensive record, the Golden Glove is still to play for, and we want to finish the season on a high with a good test, always respecting the competition.”
Arsenal have already secured a place in next season’s Champions League and reached the semi-finals of this year’s edition—their best European run in 16 years. A win at Southampton would take them to 74 points, capping off another progressive league campaign under Arteta.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
But once the final whistle blows on the south coast, attention will swiftly turn to reflection, recovery, and preparation for the season ahead. Arteta admits he is eager to recharge before making key decisions for the club’s future.
“I’m excited [for next season], but now I need to rest a little bit, to calm down and to start to make certain decisions in the most efficient way, with the right timing,” he said. “I have quite a clear picture, but I need a few more things to then have real clarity and describe the season with the right words.”
Arteta added: “You need to reset. In order to do that, there are many parts. You need to rest, then be aligned with what you want to do, and then you need to feel that excitement again—the feeling in your tummy that you’re ready to come back here on day one, fully motivated and enthusiastic to go again with the group of players and staff that we have.”
Arsenal’s final fixture against relegated Southampton kicks off on Sunday afternoon, marking the end of a campaign filled with both progress and promise.
NEXT ARTICLE: Huge Rodrygo transfer update as Real Madrid star hints at decision
