Arsenal celebrated their Premier League title triumph at Selhurst Park on Sunday, but manager Mikel Arteta quickly turned attention to the upcoming Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners secured the league crown without needing to check other results, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere despite a late Crystal Palace goal.
After the trophy lift, Arteta delivered a message to his players, as revealed by Declan Rice: 'We need to enjoy today but tomorrow it's full focus on PSG because we've got a massive opportunity there. We want that, we want to win the double.' The squad partied with owners Stan and Josh Kroenke, and later delayed their departure as fans gathered outside the stadium.
Arteta rotated key players like Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba, giving minutes to Mikel Merino, Viktor Gyokeres, and Kai Havertz. He said: 'We talked about already what we have to do in Budapest, how we're going to use all the incredible energy that we're all carrying towards that final. Tomorrow we're going to start to prepare it. We can't wait to write a new chapter in the history of our club and lift the Champions League.'
The Gunners have never won the Champions League, but Arteta believes the Premier League success could unlock further achievements. The final against PSG, who boast Europe's best attack, will be a stern test.
