City needed to defeat Bournemouth to make sure the title race went down to the final day, but Iraola’s side were playing to secure European football in the head coach’s final home game as boss.
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The Cherries were brilliant and deserved a point, and probably all three, but the 1-1 draw meant Bournemouth secured European football and the title race was decided ahead of the final day.
Iraola and Arteta played in the same youth team in the Basque country as children, Antiguoko, and are good friends.
(Image: Richard Crease)
Asked if he was expecting some champagne or a big bottle of wine from Arteta, Iraola joked: “It would be lovely, something, I don't know.
“I haven't even checked my phone! I should have at least one text message or something, but I think it was not because of this game.
“Probably they were even going to finish it for sure themselves. I'm happy for him because I think he has done an incredible job there for a lot of seasons, very consistent, and sometimes has been so close that the reward has come probably in the right moment.
“They even have now the challenge of a Champions League final. It could be incredible for him and I hope they finish also there.”
(Image: Richard Crease)
Iraola praised Arsenal for their season as a whole, too: “I think they fully deserved it.
“I think they've been so, so consistent during the past seasons and improving a little bit more, improving a little bit more.
“And I'm very happy for Mikel, very happy for Kepa that was here with us past season, very happy for Arsenal because I think they've been very good. Obviously, we were today, trying to get Europe, trying to fight for our result.
“But on the personal side, I'm also very happy for Mikel.”