‘We have failed in all our history in the Champions League’ — Arsenal’s Arteta defensive after Tottenham claim European crown

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta found himself in the awkward position of congratulating North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for winning the Europa League, while defending his own team’s trophyless campaign.

Despite leading Arsenal to a strong second-place finish for the third consecutive season and a Champions League semi-final, Arteta was still faced with questions about the Gunners’ season being a failure without silverware.

Arsenal’s North London rivals claimed their third UEFA Cup/ Europa League title after beating Manchester United 1-0 in Wednesday’s final, thanks to a goal from Brennan Johnson.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Arsenal’s final Premier League match against Southampton, Arteta praised Tottenham’s Europa League triumph, calling it a “beautiful moment” after a turbulent season for Spurs, who are languishing near the bottom of the Premier League.

Yet when asked whether Tottenham had a better season than Arsenal, the Spaniard tried to dodge the question, saying, “I don't like to compare with other teams. I need to analyse my team, that's my job.”

He defended Arsenal’s season by pointing out their deep Champions League run and tight Premier League title race, even if both fell short.

The Gunners boss also refused to buy into the narrative that any season without silverware should be deemed a failure, while any cup triumph renders the campaign a success.

Arteta was quick to point out that Arsenal have had several successful seasons despite never winning the Champions League and last claiming the Premier League title in 2004.

“Where is the joy then?” Arteta said, adding, “Because then if I have to analyse ourselves ... we have failed the last 20 years in the Premier League and we have failed in all our history in the Champions League.

"Who are we then? Where is our brand, where is our club... where is our value, our way of playing? Where are the moments that we lived together with our people?"

With one game left against already-relegated Southampton, Arteta is focused on closing out the season with pride and with the best defensive record in the league having conceded only 33 goals this campaign.