Jose Mourinho's brutal Arsenal statement 'still applies today' for Mikel Arteta

's brutal jibe at way back in 2007 seems to still echo today, as 's squad suffered another setback in their pursuit of an elusive title.

For two consecutive heart-wrenching years, the Gunners have finished as runners-up to in the race for the top-flight crown – a prize that has slipped through their fingers for two decades now.

A surprising 2-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday (October 19), albeit early in the season, has already cast a shadow over their latest bid for the title. Under Arteta's guidance last season, Arsenal fell just two points short.

Despite being spearheaded by young stars like Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, along with high-profile signing Declan Rice and club captain Martin Odegaard having significantly strengthened their team in recent years, it continues to be a case of so close yet so far.

One harsh interview from former Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United manager Mourinho, which essentially suggested that the club boasts a gifted young team but simply doesn't have what it takes to clinch a league title, has now re-emerged on social media. And supporters have been quick to highlight that this observation appears to remain pertinent 17 years later.

"They have great boys. I wouldn't be sad if a club gives me three, four, five years and tells me you don't need to win you can lose Premiership after Premiership, and you have three, four, five seasons to build. I wouldn't be sad," Mourinho declared in a 2007 interview, taking a swipe at old adversary Arsene Wenger and the patience Arsenal showed him before seeking a new manager, reports .

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When the reporter reminded Mourinho that the Gunners had clinched some titles under Wenger's reign, Mourinho responded: "Not since I arrived. Since we are in Chelsea, they lost the Premierships, they lost with us the Charity Shield, they lost with us the Carling [League] Cup.

"I don't think they are winning a lot. But, [they are] absolutely brilliant young boys. The manager is top, the team has a great future. But they didn't win."

Despite one glaring error in Mourinho's statement - overlooking Arsenal's 2005 FA Cup victory a year after his arrival in London - his argument that the Gunners failed to launch a credible challenge for the league title during his time in charge, despite possessing a youthful and gifted squad, held water.

Arteta's tenure has similarly yielded just one trophy - an FA Cup - and supporters have been quick to highlight that, given his team's shaky start this season and lack of discipline, Mourinho's assessment still arguably rings true.

"17 years later, and this still applies today," remarked one fan, while another adopted a more critical tone: "Arsenal will forever be known as the team that always comes close but doesn't lift the trophy every season. Don't they get tired?"

Though it must be said, unlike Arsenal line-ups of before, Arteta's squad seems to have crafted a clear route forward, showing considerable progression since the manager started his tenure.

Alternative perspectives were offered by some supporters who are sensing that the Gunners' 20-year wait for a league title could soon be over, with one contributor conceding: "He [Mourinho] isn't wrong, but at least they are competing."

Another chimed in with an optimistic view: "People forget that at that time, Arsenal had to become a selling club to finance the new stadium and training centre. They paid it themselves they have always been successful until the last 20 years. They will return to winning ways."