Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal could have played Nottingham Forest for “three hours” and not have found a way through.
Taiwo Awoniyi scored the only goal of the game as the Gunners fell to defeat and duly handed the Premier League title over to Manchester City.
It was a laboured performance from a young Arsenal team who have dropped points against Southampton, West Ham and now Forest in the closing stages of the season.
While the away side boasted much of the ball at the City Ground, they all too often did nothing with it and drew a blank against a Forest side who had not kept a clean sheet since early February.
Even when in control of possession, Arsenal were architects of their own downfall as captain Martin Odegaard’s loose ball was pounced upon by Morgan Gibbs-White, who later freed Awoniyi for the only goal.
“Congratulations to City for winning the championship and obviously a really sad day for us after everything we have done in the season but now we have to face the reality,” said Arteta.
“Today we gave a goal away, another huge chance away as well and we weren’t good enough to break them down.
“We could have played three hours and have the feeling that we didn’t have enough. So, [we must] face it, it’s my responsibility and I have to take it.”
