"Keep pushing, don't be satisfied" - Mikel Arteta sends message to Arsenal players as Manchester City win the Premier League
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta sent a message to his team after Manchester City became Premier League champions on the final day of the season by defeating West Ham United.
A brace by Premier League Player of the Year Phil Foden and a goal by Rodri ensured the Cityzens were crowned champions for the fourth consecutive time. However, they were met with some resistance as Mohammed Kudus scored with a brilliant bicycle kick in the 42nd minute, sending Pep Guardiola into a frenzy.
As for the Gunners, they started their game against Everton in a sedate manner. Idrissa Gueye slotted a free-kick home via a deflection in the 40th minute of the game to give the Toffees the lead over the title-chasers. However, goals from Takehiro Tomiyasu (43') and Kai Havertz (89') allowed Arsenal to make a comeback.
However, it wasn't enough as City were already celebrating after defeating the Hammers 3-1 at the Etihad.
Following the culmination of the season, Arteta asked his players to not satiate themselves with a second-position finish. Here's what he said (via The Independent):
"Keep pushing. Don't be satisfied. We want more than that - and we're going to get it."
Manchester City have now won the Premier League six times in the last seven years.
Arsenal won 28 games this season, more than The Invincibles
Following their victory against the Toffees on Sunday, the Gunners took their tally of wins this season to 28. Notably, 'The Invincibles' of 2003-04, when Arsenal last won the Premier League, had managed just 26 wins in a 38-game season.
Mikel Arteta's men, while they tested defeat this season, managed to win 28 out of 38 games, creating a new club record. Pep Guardiola's men, too, won 28 games this season.
Furthermore, Arsenal scored 91 goals this season, only bested by Manchester City, who scored 96 goals.
Mikel Arteta's men also top the list of the team with the most clean sheets this season. They have 18 clean sheets this season and are miles ahead of second-placed Everton, who have 13 clean sheets. With 13 clean sheets to their name, Manchester City are joint second.
The north London outfit has become a formidable team in the last couple of years and will be considered serious Premier League and Champions League contenders once the new season begins.