THERE are those that would show Mikel Arteta the door after another trophyless season, one that promised much but is ending in crushing disappointment for Arsenal. Modern football demands success of the top clubs and the Gunners have, since 2004, been in something of a wilderness, capable of winning FA Cups (five of them since their Invincible year) but seemingly unable to put all the component parts required to create a title-winning side on the pitch at the same time. In other words, in the past 20 years, Arsenal have had some outstanding, indeed brilliant, talent, but they have rarely had a killer team.
Arsenal 2025 are a very decent collection of players, but they lack something when it comes to completing the job. After losing to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, questions are being asked about Arsenal’s coach and whether he is actually the problem. But it is difficult to be over-critical about someone who has the best win-rate of any Arsenal coach, including Wenger, Chapman and Graham, but when you play among the big boys, having a great win rate but failing to deliver will never look over-impressive on your CV.
Arteta is making himself a little unpopular, or rather the sort of character that doesn’t get invited to many parties. His recent post-match comments suggest he is adopting a form of siege mentality – “100% we were the best team in the Champions League” – or someone who senses he has suddenly come under extreme pressure. Some have called it delusional and even his pal Luis Enrique spoke out – “sorry, Mikel, that simply isn’t true” – and the scoreline backs that up. Arsenal played well in Paris and certainly believed they could win, but PSG, over the two legs, were the more accomplished team. Arteta rarely looks happy, but he has had to play second fiddle to Manchester City and Liverpool over three seasons. Arsenal, without doubt, have been the second best team, but getting to first base may now be beyond the team that Mikel built. The lack of a prolific forward has cost them dear, although when the engine is running well, they can score goals. But to be an outstanding, title-winning team, Arsenal do need a top-class striker. Havertz is not that man.
They have spent, although not as much as scatter-gun Chelsea, the Manchester clubs and Tottenham. They don’t pay as much as some of the others in terms of wages, but Arsenal’s squad is valued at around £ 1 billion. How much more do they have to do? Arteta has been in charge since December 2019, so he has had time to build something and indeed he has. He has made Arsenal serious contenders once more, but he hasn’t made them clinical or into a team that habitually wins things. Given most managers last three years at best, Arteta has been given twice as long to mould Arsenal into winners. He would not have been afforded such time at, for example, Chelsea or Manchester United. Arsenal, to their enormous credit, are not that kind of club, they have a certain style and ethos.
It is becoming clear Arsenal’s team has drifted into mild decline this season. Some of the fundamentals are less impressive than they have been over the two previous campaigns. Goals per game are down to 1.77 (64 scored), points per game are now 1.91 versus 2.34 in 2023-24, and they are having 18% fewer shots at goal. Furthermore, the margin between the champions and Arsenal has also widened from five and two points in 2023 and 2024 respectively, to 15. They have drawn 13 games this season in the Premier compared to five in 2023-24 and six in 2022-23. They have been unlucky with injuries, but Arsenal have also had five red cards, a total only equalled by relegated Ipswich.
As most pundits have hinted, they need a busy summer transfer window. Will they get rid of Arteta? It would seem unlikely, but you cannot keep doing the same thing and expect to get a different outcome. Next season, Manchester City will be back after a close season of regrouping. Liverpool will strengthen and Newcastle United may also find fresh impetus. Nobody can afford to stand still.
Game of the People was founded in 2012 and is ranked among the 100 best football websites by various sources. The site consistently wins awards for its work, across a broad range of subjects. [View all posts by Neil Fredrik Jensen](https://gameofthepeople.com/author/georgefjord/)