After dominating the league for a while, Arsenal lost to Manchester City by a narrow margin.
If Arsenal wants to launch another Premier League title campaign next season, Mikel Arteta has warned them that the competition would be considerably tougher.
On Sunday, Wolves travel to the Emirates Stadium for a match that briefly appeared to crown Arsenal as champions for the first time in 19 years.
Instead, they enter their last contest eight points behind Manchester City, the same margin by which Arteta's team led in early April. Their valiant title defense was finally interrupted by a defeat to Nottingham Forest last Saturday.
Since blowing a 2-0 lead against Liverpool at Anfield on Easter Sunday, Arsenal's challenge has waned. Next came back-to-back draws with West Ham and Southampton before City ultimately grabbed the lead with a crushing 4-1 victory against the Gunners at the Etihad.
Arteta urged his team to finish the season against Wolves on a positive note, but he also warned that the club will likely face an even greater challenge the following year if it hopes to end its two-decade championship drought.
Next season, the competition will be much tougher, according to Arteta. "In my opinion, this season has been the most difficult in the 22 years that I have played in this league.
"In order to (compete), we have a pretty good idea. However, before moving forward with it, we need to think it over briefly, stand back, and confirm that it is the proper course of action.
"Now, in order to express our appreciation to our supporters, we must put on a fantastic performance and win in front of them.
"They gave us a ton of wonderful energy throughout the season, and now we'll start to prepare for the next. We must conclude it in the finest manner possible. It's been a long, emotional trip.
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