Former England defender Micah Richards has revealed Mikel Arteta’s mistake that cost Arsenal the Premier League title. The Gunners were in a shoo-in position to clinch the prestigious title but veered off the track at the fag end.

Arsenal suffered a 2-0 loss against Aston Villa as Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins scored late for the home team on 14th April. Furthermore, Arteta’s team played a goalless draw against Manchester City.

Richards feels Arteta made a tactical error against Aston Villa, which proved to be costly for his team. Arsenal could not bring their best in the second half and Villa came up with an outstanding performance.

In the end, Manchester City won their fourth consecutive Premier League title as they had two more points (91) than Arsenal (89).

Richards said on the Rest is Football podcast: “I just go back to that Villa game, Arsenal v Villa at home.

“Arteta chose to go with Havertz in the midfield area instead of the false nine which has worked so well for them. Could’ve went with a Jorginho or Partey.

“Emery, on the day, tactically got it spot on. So, yeah, disappointed.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal was held to a 2-2 draw against Fulham earlier in the season. Moreover, Arsenal was stunned by West Ham United in late December and these matches went on to cost them.

On the other hand, Arteta had expressed confidence that they would go on to win the title.

Addressing supporters on the pitch at full-time after win against Everton in the last league stage match, Arteta said: “Now it is time to have a break, think, reflect, and please keep pushing. Keep inspiring this team. Don’t be satisfied because we want much more than that and we are going to get it.”

Later asked why he was so confident, Arteta replied: “If we do what we have to do, we’re going to be closer and at the end we’ll win it. When, I don’t know. But if we keep knocking and being that close, in the end it will happen.”