Mikel Arteta responds with suble 6-words message to Spurs’ Europa win and how after owning them easily this season
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has responded to Tottenham Hotspur’s dramatic Europa League victory over Manchester United—a result that not only ended the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy but also earned them a return to Champions League football. The North London rivals met very different fates this season, and Arteta was asked whether Spurs’ success meant they had a better campaign than his Arsenal side.
Tottenham sealed a narrow 1-0 win over United in Wednesday’s Europa League final, marking a momentous occasion for Ange Postecoglou’s team. The triumph delivered Spurs their first piece of major silverware since lifting the League Cup back in 2008, and it also marked their fourth significant European title—twice as many as Arsenal have managed in their history.
In contrast, Arsenal once again ended their season empty-handed. Despite finishing second in the Premier League—likely for the third consecutive season—Arteta’s side has not lifted a major trophy since winning the FA Cup in 2020. Arteta has previously attempted to highlight the club’s Community Shield wins in 2020 and 2023, but many fans and pundits do not consider those to be major honours on par with league or European success.
Speaking at his press conference on Thursday, Arteta offered a diplomatic and respectful response when asked about Spurs’ Europa League achievement.
“I congratulate them,” he said. “They are champions, and to become champions you have to do many things right. They’ve clearly gone through a long, challenging season full of ups and downs, but they found a way to come through in the end and earn a beautiful moment. Credit to them—they deserve it.”
Arteta’s words reflected both sportsmanship and perhaps a degree of restraint, especially considering the fierce rivalry between the two North London clubs. Although Arsenal outperformed Spurs in the Premier League by a significant margin—finishing second to Tottenham’s lowly 17th-place position—the Gunners have no silverware to show for their efforts this year.
Before the Europa League final, Arteta appeared to subtly dismiss Spurs’ season, hinting that Arsenal’s consistent league performances carried more weight. But with Tottenham now holding a European title and a Champions League place for next season, some fans and media outlets have questioned which club actually had the more successful year.
When asked directly whether Spurs had enjoyed a better season than his Arsenal side, Arteta refused to take the bait, opting for a cautious and team-focused answer.
“I don’t like to compare with other teams,” he responded. “My responsibility is to analyse and improve my own team. That’s my job.”
Looking ahead, Arteta emphasized the importance of regrouping and recharging ahead of the next campaign. He acknowledged the emotional toll of another high-pressure season and said the summer break will be key for making clear-headed decisions about the squad and strategy.
“Obviously, you have to rest first,” Arteta said. “Then it’s important to be aligned and fully committed to what we want to achieve. You need to have that hunger in your stomach, that feeling that you’re ready to return on day one with total focus and enthusiasm—ready to go again with the group we have.”
The Spaniard also turned his attention to the summer transfer window, which could be crucial in helping Arsenal take the next step toward winning major honours. Arteta expressed optimism about the club’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, who joined Arsenal with a reputation for building competitive squads at elite European clubs.
“I think Andrea is going to be a major asset,” Arteta said. “His experience, especially having built winning teams in tough environments, is exceptional. We’ll work closely with him—sharing responsibility and supporting the plans we’ve put in place. He’ll be instrumental in executing the vision we have.”
As Arsenal prepare for another attempt at ending their title drought and finally delivering major silverware, the comparisons with their North London neighbours are unlikely to fade. For now, Arteta remains focused on his own camp, while Tottenham bask in the glow of European glory.