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By: Ebenezer Bajela
Following Sunday’s heartbreak after losing the English Premier League title to Manchester City on the final day of the 2023/24 season, some Nigerian Arsenal fans are hopeful that the club will try again next season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Despite beating Everton 2-1, thanks to a late Kai Havertz winner, Arsenal were unable to overhaul leaders Manchester City on the final day as the Cityzens beat West Ham 3-1 at home.
Having last lifted the Premier League title in 2003/04, gaining 90 points over the course of 38 games without losing a single match, the Gunners were close to ending their 20-year wait to lift the trophy but were edged to the title by just two points.
Last season, the Gunners finished five points behind City, but this time around they have ended up only two adrift of Pep Guardiola’s team.
Immediately after their hope had been thwarted, Mikel Arteta, while thanking the fans, said the club shouldn’t be satisfied with the second spot because they wanted more.
“All this is happening because you started believing, you started to be patient, you started to understand what we were trying to do,” the Arsenal manager told the fans.
“All the credit has to go to the players and the staff, who are unbelievable. I think now it’s time to have a break, think, reflect, keep pushing, and keep inspiring this team.
“Don’t be satisfied because we want much more than that and we’re going to get it.”
Echoing the manager’s sentiments, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard vowed that the Gunners would be looking to win everything during the 2024/25 season.
“I think we’re all a little bit disappointed at the moment,” Odegaard said.
“We’ve been fighting for so long and we’re so close. But at the same time, I’m so proud of the boys, everyone at the club, the fans. I’m so proud of the progress we’re making. When I first came here until today, it’s a big difference. We’ve changed the club. I think you’re all believing us now. We’re on a good wave, We were closer than last year. Now we need to use the break to come back even stronger next year. We’re going to push to win everything.”
With Champions League football secured once again, the fans are hopeful of winning silverware next season.
Akintunde Remilekun, a resident of Magboro, Ogun State said, “We are very disappointed because we thought this was our season but we have to credit City for their winning mentality.
“Some years ago no one saw us as title contenders but for two straight seasons we were close to winning it and it goes to show that we are getting things right. I am sure we will be there next season.”
An Arsenal fan with the name Tonte added, “Next season we go again.”
“I believe we stand a great chance of winning the league next season,” Tunde Afolabi told PUNCH Sports Extra.
“Last season we finished five points behind Manchester City and this season it was just two points, though we could have won but the defeat to Aston Villa also cost us a lot. I am sure that we will do better next season.”
Paul Hunsu added, “One of the most painful endings to the season because we had it in our hands but it slipped away.
“Trust me, City will also acknowledge that we pushed them to the last day and that shows the character of the team. I think if Havertz had started the season in fine form, we would have garnered more points than we did and we could have won the league. I am sure they will sign the right players and with Arteta still in charge, we will win the league next season.”