Arsenal’s race was finally run after a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the aptly-named City Ground on Saturday gifted Manchester City a third successive Premier League title before they even kicked a ball.

It was a reality that had been coming for some weeks now with the wind knocked out of Arsenal’s sails during a poor run of form, typified by the lethargic nature of the game on Saturday, a game which guaranteed Forest’s survival in the top flight.

Despite having 81 per cent possession during the 90 minutes beisde the River Trent, it never really looked like the Gunners were going to score, lacking invention and energy on the ball, without any answers to break down a resolute Forest side.

On the defensive side, too many mistakes crept in once again, which has become a feature of Arsenal’s dip in form, with Forest’s goal coming from a loose pass infield presenting them with a two-on-two opportunity which was consequently converted.

Ultimately, two things have stood out during Arsenal’s end to the season - the drop-off in quality and running out of steam.

The Gunners finished fifth last season before adding William Saliba, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus to the starting line-up and mounting this title charge. 

But centre-back Saliba has now missed the last 10 games, while Zinchenko has been in and out of the team with injury of his own. 

It’s hardly a surprise that losing two crucial players has made Arsenal look more like the fifth-placed team they were last season than the second-placed team they are now.

Fatigue also looks like a factor behind Arsenal’s dip with players like Bukayo Saka feeling the effects of a long campaign. 

Saka has missed just 199 minutes in the league this season with a lack of options to replace him in the team to give him a rest. In comparison, title rivals City had the luxury of rotating their squad far more to stay fresh, and it paid off.

Arsenal conclude the campaign by hosting Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates on Sunday (4.30pm). Despite the recent form, the Gunners have had an incredible season and capping it off with a victory in front of their home crowd would be a fitting finale.