Sir Alex Ferguson's advice for Mikel Arteta as Arsenal prepare for ultimate humiliation

Arsenal now face the daunting prospect of giving a at Anfield after their 20th top-flight league title was confirmed on Sunday.

The long-standing tradition is usually bestowed upon the league champions, something Arne Slot's side achieved with a thumping 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Despite another strong season, now look set to finish in, having been unable to challenge for the top spot.

Their 2-2 draw with on Wednesday meant Liverpool just needed to avoid defeat against Spurs to clinch their second title in five seasons. Arsenal are now faced with the reality of having to give the Reds the show of respect when they travel to Merseyside on May 11.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

But the Gunners and can look to legendary manager for advice on carrying out the famous gesture, with the Red Devils icon believing that knuckling down and participating in the tradition, no matter how difficult, can work wonders for motivation.

Former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers once recalled how Sir Alex gave a guard of honour to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea team at Old Trafford during their dominant 2005 triumph, reports .

Rodgers, who was a coach at Chelsea at the time, admits that receiving a guard of honour at Old Trafford left a lasting impression on him. He believes it was Ferguson who initiated the decision and insists that such an act can serve as a powerful drive for a team.

"I can never forget when I was at Chelsea as a young coach and, in that first season that Jose was in, they won the title," Rodgers said. "I remember going to Old Trafford to watch the game that evening and I'm sure the Man United players didn't want to do it, but I'm sure Fergie insisted they did it.

"That must have been really, really difficult, but it showed you the class of Sir Alex and it showed you the humility of him that another competitor came in and took the title. It was also sporting that they did that, but also can provide you with great motivation going forward."

While it is customary for the Premier League champions to receive a guard of honour when crowned champions before the final day of the season, it isn't actually compulsory. Usually, the opposing teams line up to applaud the champions as they emerge out of the tunnel.

Arsenal infamously presented United with a guard of honour in 2013 with Robin van Persie returning to the Emirates Stadium. Offering a guard of honour may not be mandated, but it is a gesture deeply rooted in sportsmanship, and Arteta may want to instil a deep motivation in his players by having them carry it out.

However, there are instances of players opting out of the applause, particularly when the winners are direct adversaries or if they're passing on the crown themselves.

Arsenal have had to carry out their fair share of guards of honour and will now be gearing up for another against Liverpool after they clapped the Reds onto the pitch after they won the league in the 2019/2020 season under Jurgen Klopp.