Arsenal sporting director Edu has refuted claims that the Gunners 'bottled' it in the Premier League title race after coming up short against Manchester City.
Although nobody fancied Mikel Arteta's side to be amongst the contenders for the domestic crown, Arsenal emerged as City's closest challengers in the title race and even held an eight-point lead over the champions heading into April's fixtures.
The Gunners endured a rotten run of results, though, and ended up surrendering their advantage to City, who clinched their fifth title in six years last week courtesy of Arsenal's dismal 1-0 loss against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
In the wake of Arsenal's late collapse, Gunners fan Piers Morgan hit out and accused Arteta's side of 'bottling' the league. But Edu is adamant that isn't the case before pointing out the mentality shift that has taken place at the club over the past 12 months.
The former Gunners midfielder told ESPN Brasil: “Saying Arsenal ‘bottled’ [it] is a word I wouldn’t use, we created our own frustration. Nobody expected us to fight for the title. You being frustrated about not winning the title is a change of mind. It could even be considered, let’s say, positive, considering times ago. In the past, we celebrated the fourth place, the third. Today, we are frustrated with the second.”
Edu's comments come just days after Bukayo Saka admitted that it "hurts" to talk about the season after signing a new long-term contract.
The Arsenal talisman, who has committed his future to the club until 2027, was the driving force behind the Gunners' shock title bid. In a conversation with Ian Wright, the Hale End graduate said: “Obviously, speaking about this season, it hurts a lot, it really hurts so much to even think about how we've ended this season and what could have been.”
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Despite a painful end to the season, it's still been one to remember for Arsenal, who have qualified for the Champions League for the first time in six years.
And Saka was quick to point out the club are on an upward trajectory under Arteta, who will be backed with significant funds in the transfer market in a bid to facilitate another title challenge next term.
Saka added: “One thing I can say is, since the last two or three years I've been playing, I've seen this team and club grow in the right direction.
“One thing the club, the fans can be excited about is that obviously, we are going in the right direction if you look at the last two or three years. I think when the dust settles and all the negative emotions are out, I think everyone can look at us and be excited about the future.”
