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Mikel Arteta reveals the match that convinced him Arsenal would win Premier League title

Arsenal won their first Premier League title in 22 years last season and Mikel Arteta has revealed when he started to believe it would happen

Mikel Arteta has spoken about the win at West Ham last season

Mikel Arteta has spoken about the win at West Ham last season(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has admitted he knew Arsenal would be Premier League champions after his side's dramatic victory over West Ham United - although the Champions League final defeat to PSG has left a "scar".

Leandro Trossard fired the Gunners ahead at London Stadium on May 10 before Callum Wilson scored a dramatic equaliser in injury time. The goal was initially given by on-field referee Chris Kavanagh and the Hammers looked to have snatched a draw, which would have had huge implications on the title race and battle for relegation.

But after a long review, VAR Darren England intervened and the goal was disallowed for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya by Pablo Felipe.

Gary Neville claimed the intervention was probably the “biggest moment in VAR history” in the Premier League, while Arteta after the game congratulated the “brave” match officials for overturning an “obvious error”.

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Now, five months on, Arteta has revealed he firmly believed Arsenal would win their first Premier League title in 22 years after returning home from that momentous win at West Ham.

The Spaniard told the Athletic: "This is football elevated to its best version, when a journey, a moment that can change so many people’s lives, goes one way or the other. You just pray because you know if it goes the wrong side, probably it’s gone again.

West Ham were denied a late equaliser against Arsenal

West Ham were denied a late equaliser against Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)

“That day when I went home, I said, ‘We’re going to be champions. It is our year. This has happened for a reason, and we’re going to get it done’.”

On winning the title, he added: “It wasn’t just a trophy. It was a moment that we’re going to remember for the rest of our lives."

Joy turned to sorrow one week after Arteta lifted the Premier League trophy at Selhurst Park, however, as the Gunners were defeated on penalties by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. Gabriel Magalhaes blazed the decisive penalty over the bar to ensure victory for the French giants.

It was a cruel end for Arteta and his players, who were unbeaten in 90 minutes across all 15 Champions League games and trailed for only 42 minutes and 48 seconds.

“I still have the scar, like Arsene [Wenger] says. I still have that poison in my veins," Arteta said.

"It has to stay there because that’s when you learn and that probably is going to be a massive driver for me and everybody.”

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