Substitute Martin Odegaard struck a 90th-minute winner as Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory at Southampton to confirm a second-place finish in the Premier League.
Kieran Tierney, on his final appearance for the Gunners, broke the deadlock with a poacher’s finish two minutes before the break – a lovely moment for the Scot, who was warmly congratulated by his teammates.
Despite being relegated weeks ago, the hosts were determined to bow out on a high note and struck back through Ross Stewart’s second-half header. It might have ruined David Raya’s day, but for Golden Glove rival, Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels, conceding moments earlier against Chelsea. Both goalkeepers end the season with 13 clean sheets and a share of the award.
Having played in second gear for much of the afternoon, Arsenal turned to their big-hitters in the closing stages, and Odegaard came up trumps late on with a rasping drive from the edge of the box that beat Aaron Ramsdale.
Forced to watch from the stands due to a one-match touchline suspension, Arteta was satisfied with a positive end to the campaign.
“I’m very happy to finish winning the match,” he told his post-game press conference.
“We wanted to leave that dressing room at the end of the season with positive energy, with a good vibe.
“We had to say goodbye as well to a few players that won’t be with us next season, and that was quite emotional as well. I think they deserved their appreciation and a good vibe around it.
“We’ve done it, and now we’re going to have plenty of time to think, to analyse what happened in the season, to learn from it for sure, to take all the incredibly positive things that the team has done regarding the circumstances and think, OK, how can we now go into that little percentage that is missing to get what we want.”
In addition to Tierney, the Gunners are bidding farewell to Jorginho, who is set to sign for Flamengo as a free agent, as well as loanees Raheem Sterling and Neto. Oleksandr Zinchenko could also be allowed to leave should the club receive a suitable offer.
With so much experience heading for the exit, it’s no surprise to hear the manager is already thinking about reinforcements.
“Now, immediately,” he replied when asked when attention turns to the next season.
“Yes. 100 per cent [now]. Because tomorrow we already have certain things that we are discussing and making decisions. Everything that is planned for pre-season and the first few weeks of the season is already done two or three months ago.
“So we’re in a really good [position]. And the moment I start to think about that, I feel goosebumps and excitement. And this is a really good sign always.”
As for his message to the fans after a gruelling season that featured intense highs and serious frustration, he said:
“First of all, a big thank you. The way they have supported the team, the club, they have travelled throughout Europe, in this country, and the manner and the energy that they put in has been incredible again.
“Hopefully, they feel pride, and they feel that this team gives absolutely everything, and I’m telling you that they’ve done it. There is nothing else to squeeze, there is not a single drop more to give.
“Hopefully, they value where we are, where we have brought this football club, and, of course, make sure that’s a desire that we all have to make the next step and that little percentage that we need between all of us, we can achieve it. And be very positive and enthusiastic about what is coming, and be constructive, especially.”