Arsenal’s valiant efforts throughout the 2023/24 season ultimately proved insufficient as Manchester City secured their fourth consecutive Premier League title with a victory over West Ham. Despite a dominant 2-1 win against Everton on the final day, the Gunners finished runners-up by a narrow two-point margin.
This latest triumph underscores City’s unparalleled dominance in recent years. Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut has now claimed the Premier League crown a staggering six times in the last seven seasons, an unprecedented feat in English football history. Even Arsenal’s impressive run, which saw them win 16 and lose just one of their last 18 games, couldn’t dethrone the champions.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who previously served as Guardiola’s assistant during City’s historic 100-point season in 2017-18, acknowledged the immense challenge his team faces. He believes Arsenal might need to replicate that very feat if they are to wrest the title from City’s grasp next season.
“We are doing this against the best team in the history of the Premier League by far,” said Arteta, whose side managed a respectable 89 points this term. “This is what it takes. Nobody has to explain the level.”
The Gunners squandered an eight-point lead in the 2022-23 title race, but this year they pushed City to the very limit. Arteta highlighted the crucial moments that ultimately cost them the title – the 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa and City’s narrow 2-0 win over Tottenham on the penultimate matchday.
“For sure Aston Villa at home. Maybe the story would be different,” he admitted. “These are the margins, they are so small.”
Despite the disappointment, Arteta remains optimistic about Arsenal’s future. “We cannot feel sorry for ourselves. We are improving,” he declared. “We will win it. When? I don’t know, but we are so close.”
The sentiment was echoed by Arsenal supporters, who remain confident their team can bridge the gap to City. “We’re very confident for next season,” said Gunners fan Phoenix Christian. “We’ll win the league and the Champions League!”
With the Premier League trophy narrowly out of reach, Arteta will now focus on rest and rejuvenation before setting his sights firmly on the upcoming season. The quest to topple City’s reign continues, and Arsenal will be determined to return stronger with a renewed hunger for glory.
