Mikel Arteta has revealed who he blames for Arsenal's Premier League title collapse last season.
The Gunners led the way for large spells and looked on course to win their first title since the 2003/04 Invincibles season under Arsene Wenger.
At one point Arsenal were eight points clear at the top of the table in March but a wretched final stretch - combined with a perfect run from Manchester City, led to them being forced to settle for second place.
Arsenal drew three games in a row before being hammered 4-1 by City. They recovered with wins over Chelsea and Newcastle but defeats to Brighton and Nottingham Forest meant City were crowned champions for the third year in a row.
An injury to centre-back William Saliba proved devastating and there were other factors as to why Arsenal fell at the final hurdle.
Advert
But Arteta himself takes all the responsibility for the failure and wondering whether he should continue leading Arsenal.
In an interview with Men in Blazers, he said: "I'm a terrible loser. I was really disappointed not to win the title when we had a big chance to do it.
“I put the blame on me and I had to think if I'm still the right person to take the club to different level."
Advert
Arsenal returned to the Champions League after a lengthy hiatus and have finally overcome an almighty psychological barrier in beating rivals City after losing all three games against them last term.
The North London side beat Pep Guardiola's men on penalties in the Community Shield, before a late deflected Gabriel Martinelli gave them a huge victory at the Emirates in the Premier League meeting on 8 October.
It was a first win over City since December 2015 and saw them move two points clear of the treble winners.
Advert
With the international break over, Arsenal take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in their next clash.
Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Manchester City
Josh Lawless