Mikel Arteta, reflects on their Premier League campaign after defeat to Nottingham Forest, ending their title aspirations.
- Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, dissects their failed run in the Premier League following a consequential defeat to Nottingham Forest.
- In light of their title chase coming to an end, Arteta expresses his intention to focus on their final game of the season against Wolves.
- Despite a game dominated by Arsenal, a single goal from Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi concluded Arsenal’s title challenge in the Premier League.
Arsenal’s aspirations in the Premier League this year were brought to an abrupt end following a crushing defeat to Nottingham Forest.
The Gunners, whose campaign started on a high note with a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace, looked promising and full of potential until they travelled to Anfield, after which it all started to unravel.
As we all know, this defeat sealed 115 charges City’s position at the top of the table, leaving Arsenal and its supporters ruminating over what could have been.
In the aftermath of the match against Forest Arteta admitted, “I am sad because we lost the game, and also because it’s the day we have lost the championship.”
He elaborated on the team’s journey over the past ten and a half months, working and fighting relentlessly towards the dream of a Premier League title.
“After 10 and a half months fighting for it, working every single day, just trying to get to that dream that we all had, and that we all fought for so hard,” he said.
The defeat against Nottingham Forest was Arsenal’s third in their last five games, a stark contrast to their performance in the first 32 games, where they suffered an equal number of losses.
This, unfortunately, set the tone for their late-season form. Taiwo Awoniyi’s crucial goal for Nottingham Forest was the nail in the coffin, leading to a second consecutive loss for the Gunners and extinguishing their flickering hopes of a league title.
Arteta was quick to underline the importance of having all his players at their peak during these critical league games, something he acknowledges was lacking this season. “We came up short,” he confessed. “We need to get the team in the best moment in the last six league games; everybody healthy, everybody playing at their best.”
Yet, despite the recent series of defeats, Arteta is far from resigned. His focus now shifts to the final game against Wolves, ensuring his team gives the best possible performance for the supporters.
“We have a huge responsibility to give our people the best possible performance and a win,” he declared. His gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support and belief was evident as he shared his optimism for the coming games.
In the defeat against Forest, the Gunners dominated possession but faced an unbreakable home-side defence. The frustration grew as Arsenal, known for their impressive offensive prowess, were unable to breach Forest’s wall as they sealed Premier League survival.
With only one match remaining, the Gunners look forward to ending on a high note against Wolves.
While the disappointment of not securing the title is palpable, it is clear the team has made significant strides this season, including securing a spot in the Champions League next season.
This demonstrates the progress Arteta’s men have made and provides a glimmer of hope as they look forward to the challenges and triumphs of the next season.
One thing is for sure, however, after a collapse at the end of this season and last, Arteta has many issues to address this summer.
Ramsdale seeks silver linings after Arsenal’s Premier League collapse
In the wake of the disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest, Arsenal’s goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale remained hopeful and sought to find the silver linings.
Despite Taiwo Awoniyi’s first-half goal leading to a 1-0 win for Forest and officially quashing Arsenal’s hopes of a title, Ramsdale was reflective. He chose to focus on the considerable strides the team had taken over the season. The keeper acknowledged the setback but didn’t lose sight of the bigger picture.
“Today is a disappointing afternoon for us,” Ramsdale admitted. “But Champions League football was originally the first goal at the start of the season. We’ve managed that for the first time in six or seven years.”
The young goalkeeper commended his team for pushing a seasoned Manchester City squad, who’ve secured the title five times in the last six years. His disappointment, he clarified, stemmed not from failing to secure the title, but from the manner in which the season concluded.
He emphasised the importance of learning from these setbacks, stating, “We will be really proud of ourselves, but we do have to look in the mirror and we have to be the first ones to own up to our mistakes and where we went wrong, because that’s how we learn and get better.”
The current season, filled with high hopes and dreams, culminates next Sunday as Arsenal host Wolves at the Emirates. Ramsdale is resolved to ensure the team ends the season on a high note, demonstrating his desire for the supporters to remember their last game positively.
“The season is not done yet. We need to regroup, we’ve got one game left which we need to put a performance and smile on our supporters’ faces which they deserve. They can go to the summer and be proud of us.”
With this, Ramsdale is optimistic about the future and is keen to use this loss as a catalyst for growth and improvement for the team in the upcoming seasons.