07 May 2023 , 15:30
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Arsenal ace Leandro Trossard has conceded the Gunners only have themselves to blame for handing the title momentum to reigning champions Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta's side have been leading the Premier League table for the overwhelming majority of the season but after a four-game run in April that saw them draw three and lose away at City, it is now Pep Guardiola's men in the driving seat and on course for a fifth title in six seasons.
City now sit top, and as a result Arsenal cannot afford any more slip-ups, while also having to hope the one side above them drop points in two of their final four games between now and the end of the season.
In turn, morale around the red half of north London has taken a dent over the last few weeks and Trossard's recent remarks to Sky Sports have an air of 'what could have been' about them.
"We knew [City] would come close and it’s all about us I think," the Belgium international explained. "Obviously, it’s not in our hands anymore but before it was just looking at ourselves.
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"If we would have won all those games, it would be a different story of course. But we gave them that a little bit to come back into the race and obviously now they are ahead of us.
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Leandro Trossard has discussed Arsenal's title capitulation (Sky Sports)"When you are competing on the highest level they’re a top side as well, they show it every year. But I think it’s down to us to be at this level as well to make it really hard for them as well I think. Like I said, we’ll see."
While Trossard seems particularly downbeat, it is important to acknowledge that few fans and pundits alike had Arsenal earmarked as the team to challenge City for the title before a ball had been kicked this term.
It is undeniable that Arsenal's main ambition this term was to finally qualify for the Champions League after a seven year exile from European club football's most prestigious competition.
With more than five games to go, the Gunners secured their place among the European elite and Trossard is likely to play a key role in Arsenal's Champions League campaign next season.
It is vital that Arteta's players try and shake off the disappointment of all but surrendering the title to City and regroup ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer of incomings and outgoings.