Mikel Arteta admitted that Arsenal have gone backwards in the Premier League compared to previous seasons.
The Gunners will register their lowest points total in three seasons, Liverpool having secured the title two weeks ago with four games to spare.
The north London club sit on 67 points and can only finish with a maximum of 76 as they have three games remaining, starting with newly-crowned champions Liverpool on Sunday.
Arteta’s men reached a points tally of 89 and 84 in the previous two campaigns.
Arteta said: ‘In the Premier League we’ve gone a step backwards.
‘With the points that we have created it’s clear that we haven’t done as good as last season, that’s obvious.’
Arsenal have again missed out on the Premier League title after competing in the early stages
Liverpool wrapped up this year’s crown with four games to spare with a win over Tottenham
‘It’s clear that we haven’t done as good as last season,’ said Arteta ahead of facing Liverpool
Arteta confirmed that his players will hold a guard of honour for Arne Slot’s men, and that it could be a motivational factor in their attempt to win the title next year.
‘Yes, something has to drive you, motivate you, and pain probably is a good one to use sometimes when you don’t really want to do something but it’s the right thing to do, usually as a motivation for next season,’ he said.
On the need for Arsenal to finish their final three games strongly, he added: ‘We cannot win the Premier League, that’s clear, but the last 16 days we have with three games to go.
‘We need to make sure that we make ourselves proud at least to compete at the end in the manner that we deserve.’
