Arteta doubles down on Arsenal best in Champions League claim

LONDON – Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to use the frustration of having to give champions Liverpool a guard of honour on May 11 as fuel to win the English Premier League title next season, after admitting they have gone “backwards” this term.

Arteta’s side are destined to finish the season without a major trophy after failing to keep pace with Liverpool and crashing out of the Champions League semi-finals on May 7.

The Gunners’ 2-1 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg (3-1 on aggregate) ended their bid to win the tournament for the first time.

It was a painful loss for Arsenal, who created a host of chances in the early stages of the second leg but could not find a way past inspired PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Still licking their wounds from the disappointment in Paris, Arsenal head to Anfield on May 11 for the uncomfortable task of watching Liverpool’s ongoing title celebrations. Arne Slot’s men wrapped up the title two weeks ago, leaving second-placed Arsenal trailing in their wake.

After finishing as runners-up to Manchester City for the previous two seasons, the north Londoners remain without a league title since 2004.

“Something has to drive you, motivate you, and pain for this is a good one to use, when you really want to do something. It’s the right thing to do, usually as a motivation for next season,” Arteta said of Arsenal’s guard of honour for the champions.

“They’ve been the best team, they’ve been the most consistent... They fully deserve it, and that’s the sport. If somebody is better, you have to accept it and try to reach that level.”

Arteta attracted criticism in some quarters for claiming Arsenal were the best team in the Champions League this season, despite their last-four exit.

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