Mikel Arteta and Arsenal stars not happy with ‘bottling’ tag

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reviews the Nottingham Forest game

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and his players are said to be unhappy over accusations they “bottled” the Premier League after missing out on the title to Manchester City. The Gunners were in pole position for much of the season to lift their first league trophy since 2004 but ultimately saw their lead slip in the final weeks of the season as the Citizens claimed their fifth title since Pep Guardiola took the helm in 2016.

Arsenal enjoyed a sensational start to the campaign and stormed to the top of the Premier League table after winning their opening five matches. Following a loss to Manchester United in September, the north Londoners then embarked on a 13-match unbeaten run, winning 11 of those encounters.

A mini blip in February was followed by seven wins on the bounce in the spring, with Arteta’s team looking well on track to secure the title. But Arsenal were derailed after being held to a 2-2 draw by Liverpool at Anfield in April. And that result proved to be the start of a run that saw them pick up just nine points from eight matches.

In contract, City enjoyed an outstanding run of 12 consecutive victories ahead of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Brighton. And Guardiola’s side secured the title after Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

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According to The Telegraph, the “bottling” tag has not sat well with Arteta and his stars. And while there is intense disappointment at the club that they were not able to hold off the Manchester side, the Gunners manager has been quick to remind his players how far they’ve come this season.

Arsenal have the second youngest team in the Premier League and there will be optimism at the Emirates Stadium that they can compete for the title once again next time around. The likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel have all signed new contracts. But Arsenal may need to strengthen their side during the summer transfer window.

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The Gunners have been linked with the likes of Declan Rice, Mason Mount and Moises Caicedo in recent weeks and will be desperate to bring in players who can help the side go that one step further.

But it will be a tall order to get the better of City, who have developed into one of the best teams to ever play in the Premier League. And with Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea also aiming to be in the title hunt next term, Arteta will be well aware of the extent of the challenge that lies ahead.

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