Broadcaster Richard Keys has now claimed that Arsenal missed out on winning the Premier League title for one reason this season.
Arsenal came agonisingly close to winning their first Premier League title in twenty years this season.
As the Gunners boast a marginally superior goal difference to Manchester City, just two additional points would have been enough to see them crowned champions. Had one draw been converted into a win earlier in the campaign, the North London club would reign supreme now.
Mikel Arteta may well look at his side’s 0-0 draw with the Cityzens themselves at the end of March as a missed opportunity. Arsenal went to the Etihad Stadium with a defensive game plan, and executed it perfectly to avoid defeat, as they restricted the hosts to just the one shot on target.
However, the Gunners did little to threaten scoring themselves. They were largely praised at the time for keeping Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering outfit at bay. Despite this, though, Richard Keys believes that Arsenal’s lack of attacking intent in the North West ultimately cost them in the title race.
Richard Keys blames frightened Arsenal for their own downfall against Manchester City
Writing in his personal blog, Keys stated: “I was interested to hear what City’s Rodri said, when it was all done, about their challenge. ‘Arsenal did an unbelievable season’ he said. Adding ‘the difference was the mentality. When they came here they didn’t want to beat us they just wanted to draw’.
“Exactly as I’ve been saying. That’s where Arsenal lost it. They looked scared to win at The Etihad. And they could’ve won it. They were the better team on the day. Mental strength is what separates winners and losers. City are never afraid.”
In truth, the Gunners did not lose the league in that game against Manchester City. There were several moments that cost Arsenal this season, but beating the eventual champions at home and holding them to a draw on their own patch was not one of them.
For all of Rodri’s bluster about Arsenal, the fact that his side could only earn one point against the Gunners this season, and amassed just two shots on target as a combined total in both their league outings against them, tells its own story. Arsenal apparently didn’t play to win, but they still managed to in head-to-head terms.
Mikel Arteta and Declan Rice insist the best is yet to come for Arsenal
There is more to come from the North London club. Declan Rice firmly believes that Arsenal are still a club on the rise. They will be expected to make another title challenge next season, and as the club have made year-on-year progress consistently under Arteta, there is reason to believe that they could well go one step better again next season and get their hands on the title.
Speaking on the pitch at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, Arteta made a promise of silverware to come to Arsenal fans.
Despite Keys’ concerns, Arsenal aren’t afraid to state their ambition, and have earned the right to believe that they can overcome Manchester City.