Arteta concedes that missing the title once more is ‘deeply disappointing’

Mikel Arteta has described witnessing Liverpool claim the Premier League title as “painful,” following Arsenal’s failure to secure the crown for a third consecutive season.

The Reds’ resounding 5-1 victory against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday ensured they were well beyond the reach of Arsenal, who trail by four matches.

This setback is significant for the Gunners, who have come up short once again, despite challenging Manchester City vigorously over the last two seasons.

While Arteta extended his congratulations to Liverpool for their well-deserved success, he admitted that it was a tough pill to swallow. “It hurts big time,” he remarked.

“I recognise that Liverpool are the more consistent team, equipped with the essential qualities needed to win, but it is incredibly painful,” he stated on Friday.

The Spanish manager continued: “I want to take this moment to commend Liverpool for their achievements and the way they have maintained their consistency.”

“They undoubtedly deserve this title. They’ve shown they are the superior side with so many attributes, and they’ve consistently had their squad available.”

“We’ll be back at it. But before we turn our attention to next season, we must ensure a strong finish to this campaign.”

Arsenal last lifted the Premier League trophy in 2004 under the management of Arsène Wenger.

Their title challenge has been hampered by an ongoing injury crisis, with six key players currently sidelined.

Arteta, who also missed the suspended Thomas Partey during their 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, highlighted the enormity of the situation.

“I was rather taken aback right before the match against PSG at home. As I walked into the dressing room, I noticed all of them sitting together,” he revealed.

“There was (Takehiro) Tomiyasu, alongside (Riccardo) Calafiori, next to him Gabriel Magalhães, then Thomas Partey, followed by Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Jorginho.”

“I thought to myself, ‘That’s a starting line-up’. And we don’t have them. We haven’t had them available for quite some time. Yet, I felt joy about the team and their efforts, and no one is discussing this within the club.”

As his team prepares to face mid-table Bournemouth on Saturday, Arteta indicated that finishing second in the Premier League is now the immediate goal.

Arsenal currently hold a five-point advantage over third-placed Newcastle with just four matches remaining, with the top five securing spots in next season’s Champions League.