A disappointed Kai Havertz promised supporters that Arsenal would be a better team next season and would fight for the title once again after the Gunners were confirmed as runners-up on Sunday.
Victory over Everton on the final day of the season was only enough to finish three points behind champions Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side secured the Premier League with a 3-1 win over West Ham after taking the top spot with a win over Tottenham in midweek.
It is the second season in a row that Mikel Arteta's team have finished second in the table as they dreamed of going one better. Arsenal were able to record 89 points this season, the figure that was enough for City 12 months ago, and set a club record of 27 Premier League victories in a season.
It is an achievement that has left Havertz, who joined Arsenal last summer in a £65million deal, feeling his side deserved more. The Germany international accepted that football isn't always fair but claimed the north London side would be back next season.
Havertz told TNT Sports: "I feel sorry for all the Arsenal fans, for us, we gave our best but it wasn’t enough. Maybe in two or three months, we can say, ‘It was a good fight’, but right now I feel like we deserved more. It wasn’t enough in the end, but we go again next year.
Premier League odds and betting tips"Sometimes it’s not fair in football, but we have to accept it. Football is hard, but hopefully, we can go again next year and give the Arsenal fans what they need and what they’re all here for.
"It’s frustrating. When you see all the fans here it’s tough, but I can tell them next year we’re going to be an even better team and we’re going to give everything again. That’s all I can say."
In an end-of-season speech, Arsenal boss Arteta echoed his player's thoughts. The Spaniard does not want anyone associated with the club to be satisfied. "All this is happening because you started believing, you started to be patient and started to understand what we tried to do," he said.
"All the credit has to go to the players and the staff. Now it's time to have a break, think and reflect. Please, keep pushing and inspiring this team. Don't be satisfied. We want much more than that and we’re going to get it."
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