Mikel Arteta considered his future as Arsenal manager after last season's title disappointment until deep "reflection" persuaded him to stay put.
The Gunners led the Premier League by five points from Manchester City before consecutive draws with Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton proved costly.
Arsenal's next game was a heavy defeat at City, who went on to win the title by five points from the London side.
"The first few weeks, very tough," said Arteta, looking back at his summer.
"The first thing you have to do is look in the mirror and understand - is there something that you should have done better or differently?