Arsenal 'will be looking at Aston Villa' after being pipped by Man City to Premier League crown

Aston Villa cost Arsenal a first Premier League title in 20 years, according to multiple champion Rio Ferdinand.

The Gunners secured the victory they needed on the final day of the 2023/24 campaign when Kai Havertz struck late to seal a 2-1 win. However, that was rendered meaningless by events at the Etihad Stadium where Manchester City beat West Ham 3-1 to claim a fourth consecutive crown.

Pep Guardiola’s side won nine matches in a row to overhaul Arsenal, who were top of the league until just a couple of weeks ago, and leave Mikel Arteta wondering where his side came up short.

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Pundit and former Manchester United defender Ferdinand believes that was on April 14 when they suffered their only Premier League defeat of 2024 – to Aston Villa.

“When Arsenal and their fans are settling down, they'll be thinking where did it go wrong, and they'll be looking at the Aston Villa game - that was a bad week with the Bayern game. There'll be moments they all look at, but you've got to pick yourself up and learn from it.”

Villa triumphed 2-0 at the Emirates, with Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey capping a resolute and ultimately clinical performance from Unai Emery’s men who – despite today’s hammering at Crystal Palace – have finished fourth and qualified for the Champions League.

Former Villa defender Micah Richards had his own advice for Arteta. ““It is a brilliant young team and there is more to come at Arsenal. Kai Havertz has done well and Gabriel Jesus has probably not played at a level which we expected when he left Man City.

“If you're looking on how they can improve they need to get a striker who can score all type of goals, even when Erling Haaland has not played at his best he has scored goals.”

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