Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed deep frustration after his side fell short in the Premier League title race for a third straight season, calling it "very painful" to watch Liverpool clinch the crown following their dominant 5-1 win over Tottenham.

Arteta praised Liverpool's consistency and depth, acknowledging they deserved the title. Still, he highlighted Arsenal's relentless efforts despite being plagued by long-term injuries to key players like Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Thomas Partey.

Reflecting on the squad crisis, Arteta described walking into the dressing room before their Champions League semi-final loss to PSG and seeing what could have been a full starting lineup sidelined.

With four games left, Arteta said the focus is now on finishing strong and securing second place. Arsenal, without a league title since 2004, remain five points clear of Newcastle in third.