Jack Wilshere: Arsenal are moving in the right direction - we put up a big challenge this year

Jack Wilshere has admitted he thought this season would be 'Arsenal's year' to win the Premier League title.

Arsene Wenger's side were tipped to win the trophy after several of their main rivals - including Chelsea and Manchester United - endured poor starts to the season.

However, although the Gunners were well placed at the start of the year, their form faltered during the second half of the campaign and Leicester have claimed top spot.

Wilshere has missed most of the season through injury but the 24-year-old, like many of the club's fans, believed the north Londoners would end their wait for the title.

“I was obviously watching as a fan for most of the year so it was tough to watch. It's hard," he told the club's official website.

"I understand more than anyone it's hard.

"Even myself with Chelsea and United not at their best I thought 'This is our year' but unfortunately it hasn't worked out and you have to give credit to Leicester."

Arsenal have failed to win the title since 2004 and will also finish below Tottenham for the first time since 1995 unless their rivals slip up on the final day of the season.

Yet another failed title challenge has seen both the club's players and Wenger criticised in recent weeks but Wilshere is adamant Arsenal are still moving in the right direction.

“I think [we are moving in the right direction]," he told the club's official website.

"We put up a big challenge this year, and OK it didn’t work out, but after we beat Leicester at home we thought this was our year and we have to push on.

"Unfortunately we didn’t, but we put up more of a fight than previous years," he added.