Mikel Arteta has aimed a savage dig at Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur after Arsenal sealed qualification to the Champions League.

Arsenal beat Newcastle United in their last home game of the season to secure passage to next season's competition ahead of the final game of the 2024/2025 season next weekend.

Declan Rice's goal in the second half, after a string of ridiculous saves from David Raya, was enough to see the Gunners across the line. Newcastle missed their talisman and Arsenal target, Alexander Isak, up front as his replacement, Callum Wilson, struggled to impact proceedings.

The win also all but ensured Arsenal will finish in second place unless Manchester City win their next two games by more than 10 goal difference and Arsenal lose to Southampton on the final day.

Speaking to Arsenal faithful at the Emirates after the game, Arteta admitted that the season was a disappointment after the Gunners failed to win a trophy.

"We are clearly very disappointed because we wanted to be here with the Premier League or the Champions League, and it is not the case," he said on Sky Sports.

Arsenal saw Liverpool win the Premier League in Arne Slot's first season in England, while they were eliminated from the Champions League in the semi-finals by Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Arteta was still proud of the shift his side put in throughout the season despite the challenges they faced. The former Manchester City assistant manager rued the injuries his key players got, but was happy they didn't collapse like Tottenham or Manchester United.

"But chasing a dream has its ups and downs, but make sure that it doesn’t get blurry and it does get recognised what we have done, because any other team, and I have seen it with one injury, [you can end up] finishing eighth, 16th or 17th. So this team to go through the season and sustain this level is incredible."

Tottenham and Manchester United have recorded their worst-ever seasons in the league in recent history, with the two clubs poised to finish below 15th in the Premier League table.

Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim have had to deal with severe injury concerns to members of their first squad throughout their season. Unlike Arsenal, the two clubs failed to keep up, slipping down close to the relegation spots.

One of them could still end the season with a silver lining as they face each other in the Europa League final on Wednesday. A win in San Mames will ensure Champions League football despite the poor season.

Source: TUKO.co.ke