Mikel Arteta pleased with Arsenal’s progress despite pain of losing title race
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says it still “hurts deeply” to have missed out on the Premier League title, but he is happy with the progress he has made after taking over a club that had lost its “soul”. The Gunners led the Premier League title race for 248 days last season before they were eventually chased down by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who went on to win the treble, leaving the Gunners trophyless for a third straight season. Arteta admits it still pains him that his side fell short but feels there were plenty of positives to take from last term, and from his tenure overall. In an interview with Marca, the 41-year-old Spaniard said: “To this day, it still hurts me deeply, not having won the Premier (League) after spending 10 months fighting with City. “But that’s the sport. That said, what has been achieved with such a young team is worthwhile. That is clear to me too.” The Spaniard, who took over at the Emirates Stadium in December 2019, continued: “This started (over) three years ago. I was Pep’s assistant at City, we played against Arsenal and I saw that the soul of the club had been lost. “It was not enjoyed, it was not felt. I knew that there was the option, shortly after, of being on the other bench and I knew that this club is so big that you had to connect the team with the fans. It has been hard to do, and now I feel happy. “We have a clear identity, there is union and we are full of energy. That’s the biggest thing. From top to bottom, they all push in the same direction.” I feel loved, valued by our owners, Stan and Josh (Kroenke), and I have a lot to do here at this club. I am happy and tremendously grateful to be at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta to Marca Arteta responded to a question about reports linking him with a move to Paris St Germain, where he spent an 18-month loan spell during his playing career, by insisting he was “happy” and “grateful” to be with the north London club. “I can only say that I am happy at Arsenal,” he said. “I feel loved, valued by our owners, Stan and Josh (Kroenke), and I have a lot to do here at this club. I am happy and tremendously grateful to be at Arsenal.” The Gunners kick off their 2023-24 campaign against Nottingham Forest on August 12. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Chicago Cubs’ Marcus Stroman wants MLB to be embraced globally after London trip On this day in 2012: Joey Barton stripped of captaincy by QPR Justin Steele impressed by support for Chicago Cubs at London Stadium
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Barcelona target's price tag confirmed by club president
Barcelona have learned the price tag for one of their midfield targets.
1970-01-01 08:00
Zimbabwe Leader Opens Election Bid as Inflation Battle Continues
Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched his party’s election campaign, seeking a second term running a nation struggling with
1970-01-01 08:00
Why some central banks are rushing to hike rates now
Central bankers across the globe are delivering a message: Slow and steady won't win the race against inflation.
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Final Stretch of Central-Bank Hiking Will Be Toughest, BIS Says
The unprecedented cycle of global interest-rate increases is entering its most challenging stretch as inflation threatens to become
1970-01-01 08:00
Europe’s Markets Flash Warnings as Growth Woes Start to Dominate
Recession alarms are ringing around Europe’s bond markets, replacing the previous panic over inflation as investors come to
1970-01-01 08:00
ECB Is Entering Final Stretch of Interest Rate Hikes, Guindos Says
The European Central Bank is “entering the final stretch” of its tightening cycle, according to Vice President Luis
1970-01-01 08:00
Horse 'left to die' is now prize-winning show pony
Irish police found Woody lying, exhausted, across a pavement in County Tipperary last year.
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On this day in 2012: Joey Barton stripped of captaincy by QPR
Joey Barton was stripped of the QPR captaincy on this day in 2012. The midfielder was sent off during Manchester City’s dramatic final-day 3-2 win over QPR in May – which saw them win the title with Sergio Aguero’s last-gasp goal. He was sent off by referee Mike Dean after elbowing Carlos Tevez and, as he left the pitch, Barton kicked Sergio Aguero before aiming a headbutt at Vincent Kompany. He was fined six weeks’ wages, on top of a £75,000 fine from the Football Association and was given a 12-match ban from the FA. Barton said: “My behaviour was wrong and I accept the punishment that has been imposed upon me as a result. I apologise to the manager, my team-mates and of course the QPR fans for my actions. I also apologise to the Manchester City players, staff and supporters.” The current Bristol Rovers manager was loaned out to Marseille the following season but stayed at Loftus Road until 2015, making 99 appearances, before joining Burnley. He also played for Rangers and returned to Burnley to finish his playing career in 2017. In 2018, he was named Fleetwood manager before becoming Rovers boss in 2021. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
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Los Angeles Angels rumors: Eduardo Escobar trade start of things to come?
DENVER — The Los Angeles Angels made a move to strength their infield by acquiring Eduardo Escobar from the New York Mets on Friday. It could be the start of a push to build the Angels into playoff contenders.While there have been plenty of rumors swirling about the future of Shohei Ohtani...
1970-01-01 08:00
How Eduardo Escobar found out about his trade from New York Mets to Los Angeles Angels
DENVER — Eduardo Escobar arrived in the Mile High City on Saturday ready to help his new team (Los Angeles Angels) compete for a postseason spot, but still shaking off the effects of a whirlwind trade from the New York Mets.Capping off a wild span of less than 24 hours, Escobar met members...
1970-01-01 08:00
NBA rumors: Top Nets free agent expected to get huge offer from Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are expected to make a huge offer for Brooklyn Nets free agent Cam Johnson. Can they pull off the move?According to Marc Stein (subscription required), the Pistons are expected to make a huge offer for Cam Johnson this offseason.Johnson is a restricted free agent so the P...
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