Mikel Arteta was ‘in the garden building a fire’ when Arsenal won Premier League title

• Manager could not bear to watch City’s draw at Bournemouth

• Arteta cites pre-season meeting around tree as a turning point

Mikel Arteta has said he could not bear to watch Manchester City’s draw at Bournemouth and was building a fire in his garden when Arsenal’s first title in 22 years was confirmed. The manager also admitted his relief at being crowned champions after three successive runners-up finishes and revealed he had questioned whether he was good enough to help his team make the final step.

Arteta had headed to the training ground to watch the City match with the squad on Tuesday, having previously said he planned to stay at home. But 20 minutes before kick-off he decided he could not bear the tension and went back to be with his family.