Defender Gael Clichy admits Arsenal "had the season in our hands" but maintains Arsene Wenger's men will not let the title slip from their grasp again in a similar position.
But for a sudden loss of form at the crucial stage of the campaign the Gunners could well have won the Barclays Premier League and Champions League double which went to Manchester United.
However, full-back Clichy - who played some part in all 38 league matches - insists the team have learned harsh lessons from their "mistakes" and with the addition of some fresh talent this summer will be a force to be reckoned with once again.
That talent could include Marseille playmaker Samir Nasri, although Arsenal will have to have to be patient in their pursuit with other clubs on the continent interested.
The squad does needs strengthening, as was highlighted in the run in as Arsenal fell off the pace.
"We had the season in our hands, being five points ahead of Manchester United and more of Chelsea, it was a gift - but at the end we had so many injured players and we did not handle it well," Clichy told Arsenal TV Online.
"You always say you learn from your mistakes, so we hope next season will be better.
"We were not far behind. I am confident we can do it because we have so much quality.
"Everybody knows Arsenal is a fantastic team. We just have to find a little bit.
"I hope the boss will find it this summer and I am sure we will be back next season."
The French defender - who picked up a Premier League winners' medal in the unbeaten campaign of 2003-04 - does not turn 23 until July but has proven himself more than an able successor to Ashley Cole, who left for Chelsea two years ago.
It would have been easy for Clichy to quit Arsenal as a promising youngster but he was determined to make the grade with the Gunners - something midfielder Lassana Diarra was not prepared to do as he left for Portsmouth during the January transfer window.
Clichy said: "It is the opinion of anyone if they want to stay or go.
"I knew that Ashley was a great player and I knew I would have to wait.
"When the boss sold him to Chelsea that was the opportunity for me and I think I am showing the boss was right to let me have the chance.
"My advice is to be patient and work hard, because that is the key to success."
Wenger seems determined to strengthen his squad this summer, having been powerless to stop the departure of midfielder Mathieu Flamini on a free transfer to AC Milan.
However, Arsenal face strong competition for France international Nasri.
The 20-year-old was reported to have already been in London to finalise terms of a £12million switch but now it seems there are other interested parties which could yet scupper Wenger's plans.
Nasri's agent Jean-Pierre Bernes told French daily La Provence: "It is true, we are looking at an offer from Arsenal which interests Samir from a sporting point of view, but other offers have also come through to me. Outside of England, there are those from Spain and even Italy.
"He must not dismiss any offer. Nothing has been done. He hasn't signed anything."
Nevertheless, the French contingent at Emirates Stadium looks set to increase with the addition of promising Under-17 international Francis Coquelin.
The teenage midfielder had a trial period cut short by injury but looks set for a permanent move having been effectively made a free agent by French minnows Stade Lavallois.
"Arsenal is a club which trust young players, and allows you to train and develop with great players," Coquelin told French radio station RMC.
Wenger has received a boost with the news young Mexico striker Carlos Vela has been granted a work permit.
The 19-year-old - who joined Arsenal from Celta Vigo in January 2007 - was on loan at Spanish side Osasuna last season but is now expected to be involved with the Arsenal first team squad after the summer.
However, the future of Alexander Hleb remains unclear with the Belarus winger linked with Inter Milan and now Real Madrid.
Hleb's representative Uli Ferber told Spanish paper AS: "For any player in the world, it is always a great honour that a club like Real Madrid is interested in him.
"This confirms the good work that Hleb has carried out in the last years is being recognised by one of the greatest clubs in the world.
"Nobody can doubt that the interest of Madrid is a privilege for the player."
