Arteta expressed admiration for the achievements of Arne Slot and his Liverpool squad.
Image credit: Fabrizio Romano
As Liverpool prepares to host Arsenal in their first home fixture since being crowned Premier League champions, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that his team will pay tribute to the champions with a traditional guard of honour.
The ceremonial gesture, which involves players forming two lines to applaud the champions onto the pitch, has been a hallmark of English football etiquette for decades.
While it’s typically observed in the first match after a team secures the title, Arsenal has chosen to extend the courtesy into Liverpool’s homecoming at Anfield.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Arteta expressed admiration for the achievements of Arne Slot and his Liverpool squad.
“They’ve been the best team this season—more consistent, more clinical,” Arteta admitted.
“What Arne and his staff have accomplished is fascinating. In sport, when someone does better, you respect it. You applaud it. And then you go back to work, aiming to reach that standard.”
The Spanish tactician, who has now seen his team fall short in three consecutive title races, acknowledged the frustration but remained proud of Arsenal’s progress.
“We’re right there. The number of points we’ve accumulated over the last few seasons would have been enough to win the title in other years,” he said. “We just need to be that little bit better—or a bit luckier.”
Despite Arsenal’s title hopes being mathematically over, Arteta emphasized the importance of finishing strong.
Their recent league form—just six points from five matches—has raised concerns, and with Champions League qualification still not secure, the pressure is on.
The team’s European journey ended in disappointment following a semi-final exit to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek.
Now, with three Premier League games left, Arteta is urging his players to regroup and finish the campaign with pride.
“We have to move forward with our heads high,” he said. “The Premier League is gone, but we have a duty to ourselves and the fans to compete with everything we have until the end.”
