Mikel Arteta cites injuries, red cards hindering Arsenal's title bid

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta attributed his team's likely Premier League title miss to injuries, red cards, and controversial refereeing decisions throughout the season, emphasizing the significant impact of these setbacks on their campaign. Despite these challenges, Arsenal recently demonstrated resilience and maturity, securing a Champions League semi-final spot with a victory over Real Madrid. Arteta is expected to rotate his lineup for the upcoming match against Ipswich Town due to ongoing fitness concerns for key players. Declan Rice's leadership and standout performances, particularly in European competition, have epitomized the team's spirit and growth. The squad’s depth and adaptability have been tested, with several players stepping up in crucial moments. Arteta stressed the importance of analyzing both successes and shortcomings at the season's end to continue the club’s progress.