Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal's injuries cost Arsenal dearly in April and May. Photo: Getty Images/Dave Howarth
Mikel Arteta said there were “many moments” last season when he believed his Arsenal side would go all the way and win the Premier League just because of the lack of depth that ended up costing his team, leaving him in the throes of their near miss.
Arsenal appeared to be aiming for the league title before injuries, especially back problems suffered by key centre-back William Saliba, proved fatal to their hopes of keeping Manchester City.
In an interview with the Spanish Arteta told Marca that he believed these injuries were the reason for the loss of stability in the team. The Arsenal manager also pointed to a series of draws with Liverpool, West Ham United and Southampton as a key moment in the title race, and spoke of the “grievances” he felt and the loss to his former mentor Pep Guardiola. /p>
“To this day, it still hurts me a lot that I didn't win the Premier League after 10 months of fighting City,” Arteta said. “But this is a sport. However, what has been achieved with such a young team is well worth it. That's clear to me too.”
He added: “Those three draws in a row that we had [against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton] punished us and all the misfortunes that happened. Important players had three or four injuries, and then things got more difficult.
“When we had a full team, we were consistent. As soon as problems came, they did not reach us. And then our opponent was the best team in the world, the best team in the world, the best coach in the world. We had no choice but to accept it and shake hands with the champion.”
Asked if he saw himself winning the Premier League title, Arteta replied: “In many ways. The team gave me arguments, and we had a connection with people. They believed in it.
“But when we started getting injured, I felt it would cost us dearly. The level of demand could not be maintained. If you want to win the Premier League against City, you have to get to April/May with all the players available and show your best. And we didn't get there because of injuries.
Arsenal's fight for the title actually ended in a heavy away defeat from Man City at the end of April. Photo: Getty Images/Michael Regan
Arteta moved from City to Arsenal in December 2019 after an internship under Guardiola. He improved the team he spent five seasons with to the point where they led the defending champions for most of the campaign.
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“It started [over] three years ago. I was Pep's assistant at City, we played against Arsenal and I saw that the soul of the club was lost,” said Arteta.
“It wasn’t fun, it wasn’t felt. I knew that it was possible to be on the other bench soon after, and I knew that this club is so big that you need to connect the team with the fans. It was difficult to do, and now I feel happy.
“We have a clear identity, we have a union, and we are full of energy. It is most important. From top to bottom, they all push in the same direction.”
Having identified a lack of depth as the reason they didn't win the title last season, Arteta hopes to address that weakness this summer. Arsenal are set to announce the signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea in the coming days after agreeing a fee of £65m.
They are still in talks with West Ham about Declan Rice and despite to the competition from City, we remain confident that the England midfielder wants to move to north London.
Admitting that he “can't talk about players who are not at the club” regarding Rice, Arteta was more open to discussing Havertz as the Germany international was on the verge of completing his move to London.
Mikel Arteta wants to add Declan Rice to Arsenal's midfield this summer. Photo: Getty Images/David Price
“Talent has its price and at Arsenal we are always interested in young people with experience,” said Arteta. “I repeat, I am not talking about players from other clubs, but in the case of Kai, he has already shown a lot, including winning the Champions League. He is a talented player, versatile and only 24 years old.”
Arsenal are also in talks with Ajax for Dutch international defender Jurrien Timber, who could join for a fee of around £35m. up to £40 million.
Depending on the future of Thomas Partey, who will be allowed to leave the club at a reasonable price, Arsenal are also considering a move this summer to another central midfielder.
Arteta also responded. when asked about reports linking him to a move to Paris Saint-Germain to replace recently sacked head coach Christophe Galtier, but he insisted he was “happy” and “grateful” to be at the Nordic club London.
“I can only say that I am happy at Arsenal,” he said. “I feel loved and appreciated by our owners, Stan and Josh (Kroenke), and I have a lot to do here at this club. I am happy and immensely grateful to be at Arsenal.
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