Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has described the disappointment of missing out on the Premier League title once more as a “big pain,” after Liverpool clinched the championship with four games remaining.
Liverpool’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Tottenham on Sunday secured their place at the top, putting them out of reach of second-placed Arsenal and ending the Gunners’ hopes of a first league title since 2004.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Bournemouth, Arteta acknowledged Liverpool’s achievement and praised their consistency, but admitted the outcome has been tough to accept.
“It’s very painful,” Arteta said on Friday. “I have to congratulate Liverpool — they’ve been the better team, more consistent, with many key ingredients needed to win. They fully deserve it.”
This marks the third consecutive season Arsenal have fallen short in a close title race, despite a strong campaign. The team’s ambitions have also been hindered by persistent injuries to key players, a challenge Arteta emphasized following their 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
Recalling the extent of the injury crisis, Arteta said: “Before the PSG game, I walked into the dressing room and saw Tomiyasu, Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhaes, Partey, Havertz, Jesus, and Jorginho all sitting together. I thought — that’s a starting XI. And we haven’t had them for months.”
Despite the setbacks, Arteta remained proud of his squad’s efforts and determined to finish the season strongly.
“We’re going to try again. Until then, we have to push to the end,” he added. “Now, our target is to secure second place.”
Arsenal currently sit five points ahead of third-placed Newcastle, with the top five set to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
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