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Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn expects the Gunners to be in the Premier League title race next season despite missing out on the crown this term.
Not many expected Mikel Arteta's side to challenge Manchester City for the title at the start of the season. However, they pushed Pep Guardiola and Co. to the limits, surprising many.
Arsenal were atop the standings at the start of April, boasting an eight-point lead over the Cityzens but had played a game more. They appeared to be on course to win their first title since the 2003-04 season.
The north London giants, though, spectacularly imploded, winning only two of their following eight games. Their abysmal run allowed Manchester City to take a four-point lead. The Gunners' shock 1-0 loss against Nottingham Forest on Saturday (May 20) saw the Cityzens clinch the title.
What started as a dream run for Arteta's side, who are the joint-youngest team in the league, has now ended in disappointment. However, Winterburn has backed them to make a title charge again next season. The Arsenal hero reckons the confidence and experience gained from this season will stand his former employers in good stead.
"They've proved that they can do it this season, so why shouldn't they be able to go again and do it next season?" Winterburn told sports betting platform OLBG. "They've built up so much confidence, and another season of similar results and experience gained by the younger players I think will serve the team well."
Winterburn acknowledged that other teams will be stronger next season, but added that there's no reason why the Gunners cannot continue competing with them.
"I don't see any reason why Arsenal would not be in the title race," Winterburn added. "We all know that some of the other teams are going to improve, but Arsenal have the quality to beat them which they've proved. It's only Manchester City out of the top teams who have looked stronger than Arsenal, so absolutely they should be looking into being in a similar position next season."
Winterburn, who played as a left-back, plied his trade for the Premier League giants between 1987 and 2000, making over 400 appearances across competitions.
Arsenal suffer shock defeat against Nottingham Forest
Arsenal faced Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in their penultimate game of the season on Saturday (May 20). They went into the game looking to bounce back from their 3-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, the game did not go according to plan for the Gunners, as they suffered a shock 1-0 defeat. A 19th-minute goal from Taiwo Awoniyi sealed the game for the hosts, confirming their place in the top flight for next season.
The north London outfit had 88% possession and completed 724 passes, compared to Forest's 161. They also had three shots on target as opposed to the hosts' two but failed to find a way past Keylor Navas.
Mikel Arteta and Co., will now hope to end the season on a high. They host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates in their final game of the season next Sunday (May 28).
