Mikel Arteta says he's "positive" Arsenal can close the "big" gap between themselves and English football's top sides in the coming years, and that he is looking forward to the "beautiful challenge ahead".
A 1-0 defeat away at Aston Villa on Tuesday ensured that Arsenal will miss out on a place in the Premier League's top six for the first time since 1995.
The result left the Gunners languishing way down in 10th in the standings after 37 fixtures, with little left to play for in their final day clash against Watford on Sunday.