Premier League: Arteta outlines 4 key goals as Arsenal finish 10 points behind Liverpool

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reflected on his team’s final-day 2-1 victory over relegated Southampton, emphasising four main objectives the Gunners aimed to achieve as they closed out the Premier League season. 

Despite finishing second for the third consecutive year, Arsenal ended the campaign 10 points behind champions Liverpool on Sunday evening.

Speaking after the match at St. Mary’s Stadium, Arteta highlighted the importance of ending the season on a positive note.

“We wanted to finish with that positivity, that good atmosphere and vibe,” he told the Premier League moments after the game. 

“We had to say goodbye to a few players, and I think they deserved that to happen in a nice environment,” he added.

The game saw Kieran Tierney, who was among those playing their final match for Arsenal, open the scoring before halftime. 

Southampton fought back through Ross Stewart’s equaliser early in the second half, with Nigerian forward Paul Onuachu coming on as a substitute in a valiant effort to salvage points for the Saints. 

However, Martin Odegaard’s late goal secured the win and three crucial points for the Gunners as Nigeria’s Onuachu and his compatriot, Joe Aribo, who watched as an unused substitute, departed the Premier League with defeat.

Arteta’s four key goals for the final game, finishing positively, creating a good atmosphere, maintaining a strong team vibe, and bidding farewell to departing players, were all met as Arsenal wrapped up their season with a hard-fought victory.

While the Gunners started the 2024/2025 season hoping to end their long wait for the Premier League title after coming close last season, the Gunners were forced to settle for second-best again, this time to Liverpool and their impressive new boss, Arne Slot.