Santi Cazorla believes Arsenal need to adjust their attacking mentality if they are to challenge for the Premier League title next season.
Cazorla has been out with injury since November and has watched his side's title challenge slowly diminish from the touchline.
Arsenal were top of the table over Christmas, but are now 12 points behind leaders Leicester with three games left to play.
"We had a great opportunity [to win the title], we know that and we were disappointed, but this is football, and we only look to the future," Cazorla said in an interview with Sky Sports.
"This year we lost at home to Swansea, drew at home to Crystal Palace, and this is the difference if you want to win the league.
"For example, against Crystal Palace, when we were winning 1-0, we need to think about defending sometimes.
"It's true we have a great mentality and great philosophy, because we always want to attack and always want to score, but sometimes we need to be clever, and if we are winning 1-0 we need to protect this result and win the three points.
"We know we had a great opportunity to win the league this year and the only thing now is to fight until the end for the final three games."
The Spain international -- who returns to the Arsenal squad for their clash with Norwich -- also apologised for his injury and hopes the club can improve for next season.
"The first thing I can say is sorry for my injury. I couldn't help the team for a long time," he added.
"The second one would be thank you very much for the support, they are amazing supporters, and the disappointment is normal.
"I hope next season we improve a lot and I hope we win next season."