According to a post on Fabrizio Romano’s X handle on Sunday, Arteta, when asked why Arsenal failed to clinch the title, replied, “Red cards and injuries – for sure.”

“Would we be much closer? For me, the answer is, without question, yes,” he told Sky Sports.

Arsenal will host Newcastle at the Emirates in a must-win encounter to secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

The Gunners, currently second in the table with 68 points, have suffered defeat to Newcastle three times this season.