‘I cannot say what I feel’ – Arsenal chief Edu admits to ‘strange feeling’ after missing out on Premier League title to Man City again

Pep Guardiola’s troops rallied to their record-breaking fourth-straight Premier League crown as Arsenal had to remain content with a runners-up spot in 2023-24. The Gunners weaved together a perfect run of results to end their league campaign but their efforts were not enough to conquer England, as City did not offer them a window to overtake, with just two points separating the two sides after 38 games.

Although Pep Guardiola has done a sensational job during his stint at the Etihad Stadium, City have been hit with 115 financial fair play charges, which has brought their success under scrutiny. If proven guilty, they could be potentially stripped of their titles, face a hefty points deduction or even get relegated to a lower division.

Arsenal sporting director Edu did not directly refer to Man City’s charges in an interview with Estadao, but admitted that there is a general feeling of frustration at Arsenal after another narrow title defeat. “There are things that unfortunately I cannot say what I feel,” he said. “It’s a strange feeling, very strange! Because we end the season with the feeling that we’ve done everything right. From the signings and the goals to the renewals. Mikel did a great job and achieved the goals. We did everything we could, but it wasn’t enough. There’s frustration, but there’s also a positive feeling that the process was done well. The work was excellent.”

However, he heaped praise on Guardiola, adding: “But all the credit in the world to Pep for the training and work he’s been doing since he started his career. I even joke with my son that I want to see if he’s really good at rugby. It’s a joke I make because he’s already won everything in football.”

Arsenal will be hoping to turn the tables in the next season – which could be Guardiola’s last in England. It would be an incredible achievement for Arteta to stop City’s juggernaut and bring back the Premier League trophy to north London after more than two decades.