Erling Haaland has called on Manchester City to turn the disappointment of missing out on the Premier League crown for a second consecutive season into motivation for their next title campaign.
Arsenal secured their first league title since 2004 after Manchester City, who finished second, were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
At the Vitality Stadium, Haaland netted a dramatic equaliser in the fifth minute of stoppage time to cancel out Junior Kroupi’s first-half strike. However, Pep Guardiola’s side could not find a late winner to keep the title race alive until the final day.
“Every game in the Premier League is tough. We gave our best, but it wasn’t enough,” Haaland told City Studios.
“The entire club should take this as motivation. We should be angry, we should feel the fire inside because this isn’t good enough. It’s been two years now, and it feels like forever.
“Everyone who will be here next season will give everything to win the league.”
City’s visit to the south coast came just three days after their 1-0 FA Cup final victory over Chelsea, amid speculation that Guardiola might leave after Sunday’s home match against Aston Villa.
The Spanish manager, who still has one year left on his contract, offered little confirmation about his future during his post-match press conference.
After ending the previous season without a major trophy, City will wrap up this campaign with two pieces of silverware, having also won the Carabao Cup.
“Everything is relative; it’s better than last season,” Haaland reflected.
“I believe we could have pushed a bit harder in the league, but it’s done now.
“Winning two trophies is important, but we also want the Premier League.”
Bournemouth missed several chances to seal the game before Haaland’s late equaliser, which marked his 27th league goal of the season.
“It’s never easy to come here, especially after a final against a top team,” the Norwegian striker added.
“Finals are always more emotional, and it’s harder because you naturally give more.
“The schedule is demanding. There are no excuses, but it’s tough to come to Bournemouth right after playing at Wembley in the FA Cup final.”
Bournemouth, meanwhile, celebrated a historic moment by qualifying for European competition for the first time in their 127-year history.
The Cherries, currently sixth in the table, will travel to Nottingham Forest on Sunday for Andoni Iraola’s final game as head coach. They are assured of a Europa League spot and remain in contention for a Champions League berth.
Midfielder Alex Scott expressed his delight to the club’s official website: “It’s massive. For a club that was fighting in League Two back in 2008-09 and nearly went bankrupt, this is incredible.
“The fact that we’re in the Premier League and competing at the top end is amazing for the club and for us players.
“Everyone connected to this club deserves this success. It’s something we’ve been striving for ever since the head coach arrived three years ago.
“It will be a challenge, but one we’re ready to take on and excited about.”