Mikel Arteta: Timing of injuries at Arsenal ultimately cost Premier League title

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were top of the table for most of the season (Adam Davy/PA)

Mikel Arteta believes the timing of injuries that hit his squad late in the season ultimately cost Arsenal in their bid to hold off Manchester City and win the Premier League.

The team’s collapse largely coincided with a back injury sustained by defender William Saliba during their Europa League exit to Sporting Lisbon in March, with stand-in centre-back Rob Holding struggling to match the standard set by his team-mate.