Mikel: We got the result our supporters deserved

Mikel Arteta felt that our excellent 5-0 victory against Wolves was exactly what our supporters deserved for all their backing this campaign.

We thrilled the home crowd by playing some excellent football at times, and cruised to victory thanks to a Granit Xhaka brace, as well as goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Jakub Kiwior.

Having seen us taste defeat in our last two games, Mikel admitted the players were desperate to end that run and give something back to all those in attendance in north London or following proceedings around the world during the past 10 months.

Speaking post-match, he said: “We wanted to wrap up the season in the best possible way, show the level of performance that we’ve shown the whole season, win the game and entertain our crowd. It was very emotional, really beautiful with the atmosphere out there with the connection you feel between players and our supporters. 

“You could tell how much it meant to us. In the last two games; the players have been disappointed and we wanted to give something back. The team deserved that, our people deserved a performance like this to wrap up the season in a style, and probably this is the first game of the next season. I’m pleased with the way we played.”

The players undertook their traditional lap of honour with tens of thousands of supporters staying behind to show their appreciation for their efforts in bringing Champions League football back to Emirates Stadium next season.

The squad were serenaded well beyond the full-time whistle as they enjoyed some time on the pitch with their families, and Mikel is delighted with the way all parts of the club have bonded during an incredible campaign, and after a well-deserved break he is keen to start turning his attentions to 2023/24.

 

“I think together we have reconnected with the soul of our football club, which is our people, our supporters,” he said. “We did that in a really special way. We know the destination is to bring success and trophies, and we are working every single day to deliver that.

“We must not forget that the journey is beautiful. The company and the people that are involved in this journey deserve really to enjoy it. It makes me really proud to be part of that, and now we have to reset, reflect, and go again.”

“For me personally, I really need to get away, relax, think, reflect and see what the best way is now to come back stronger and with a clear vision and feeling that we can go to a different level. Today especially in the way that I am, I am not capable do that, so I need to reset and have some time to think.”