Mikel Arteta still had his eyes set on ending Arsenal's trophy drought after sealing Champions League football next season with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Sunday. 

Declan Rice's stunning 55th-minute strike sealed all three points for the Gunners, who are now guaranteed to finish second in the Premier League for a third consecutive season. 

But overall, it has been an underwhelming season for Arsenal, who find themselves 12 points behind leaders Liverpool, who travel to face Brighton on Monday. 

Arteta's team had eyed silverware this season, having run Manchester City close in the Premier League last season, but ultimately fell short at the crucial moments in the league. 

The Gunners also exited the FA Cup in the third round to Manchester United, while also losing over two legs to Newcastle in their EFL Cup semi-final tie. 

They did, however, impress in the Champions League, reaching the final four of the competition before losing to Paris Saint-Germain. 

Arteta has won just one major trophy since taking charge of Arsenal back in 2019, leading the club to the FA Cup, though he also has two Community Shields to his name. 

And despite coming up short once again this season, the Spaniard was not giving up on lifting silverware with the Gunners. 

"We had a clear dream to deliver a trophy this season to our people. Unfortunately, we haven't done it, understanding the circumstances we've been through," Arteta said.

"But you have to make sure that chasing a dream doesn't confuse you and allow you to see all the incredible things this team are doing.

"I've seen teams finishing 8th, 10th, 16th when they have smaller issues than what we have, so you have to recognise that.

"I see every day the problems we have had and the problems throughout the season. Today we had another three problems.

"It's been like that for 10 months not weeks, but we haven't collapsed - the mindset is so ingrained, and it won't collapse."

Arteta also took the time to laud match-winner Rice, whose sensational curling effort found the bottom-left corner from just outside the area. 

Rice's strike was his 19th goal involvement in all competitions this season (nine goals, 10 assists), with only Bukayo Saka (25) having a hand in more for Arsenal this term.

"Especially in the last part of the season, he's been exceptional," Arteta said. 

"He's winning matches, scoring goals, stats better than last season and still has immense room for improvement."