The loss to Manchester City was not the major cause of the title loss by Arsenal. A team that had eight points clear two months ago just suddenly started dropping points. Arsenal drew against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton. They lost against Manchester City and nailed their coffin by losing against Brighton. When a club's performance drops, the players are partially responsible but the coaches take full the blame and always face the consequences. So coach Mikel Arteta is the cause of the failure of Arsenal to win a league that they ruled for 248 days this season. When a club fails to achieve a set objective, players are hardly sacked because coached take the entire blame. Arsenal performed more than everyone's expectations this season but the reason for the criticism was that the cup was within their reach and they let it to slip away. Next season will not be easy for Arsenal because I doubt if they will have the luck they had last season.
Right, Arsenal missed his own chance before the game against City. after being held to a draw by Liverpool, also against West Ham, it was exacerbated at home to Southampton. 3 matches ended in a draw, and in the next match Arsenal were defeated by City with a landslide score. which in the end, City was able to reduce the difference in points and even shift the top standings. so, in essence it was Arsenal themselves who gave up their chance. whereas, previously Arsenal were 8 points ahead of City. in fact, this condition was exacerbated after two important pillars in their defense were injured in the Europa League match. the absence of Saliba and Tomiyasu had an effect on the Gunners' defensive performance.
Unfortunately, Arteta doesn't have a second tier player on par with these two defenders. which in the end, Rob Holding became the main starter. as a result, the 3 matches we mentioned, ended in a draw. only after that did Arteta give another player, Kiwior, a chance, a late decision I think. plus, in the next few matches, Arteta started trying to experiment with rotating his players. unfortunately, what Arteta did was a bit late from my point of view. whereas, Arteta could play Partey as a defender.
By the way, what Arsenal has shown so far has exceeded expectations even though they failed to win a trophy. I think what Arteta has done should be appreciated. at least, they are able to finish in the top four of the standings and at the same time ensure participation in the Champions League next season.