Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has taken responsibility for the team’s collapse in the Premier League this season, as he congratulated Manchester City for winning the title. The Gunners had topped the table for 248 days, but started dropping points from the start of April, allowing City to leapfrog them. After last week’s loss against Brighton, Arteta knew his side couldn’t afford to lose against Nottingham Forest if they wished to remain in with a slight shot at winning the club’s first league championship since 2004. However, they were defeated 1-0, confirming City’s third consecutive title and fifth in the last six years. Arteta praised his former employers for their triumph but reflected on the “painful” experience of missing out. He took responsibility for the team’s recent shortcomings and said they should have been better as a team. Arsenal play Wolves next and Arteta said they have a huge responsibility to play well in front of their fans.