Arsenal could still be on for an exciting few months especially after their 7-1 thrashing of PSV in the Champions League. The 2024/25 season looked set to be another without major silverware and as such, optimism was far from high ahead of their last-16 tie in Europe.
Having failed to win three of their last four games in all competitions, while also scoring just twice, the Gunners' campaign looked set to end with a whimper. Out of the FA and Carabao Cup, 13 points behind leaders Liverpool in the title race and a major injury crisis has seen the hopes of winning a trophy take a huge hit.
However, Europe has provided Arsenal with a chance of keeping that dream alive and they already have one foot in the quarter-final. Despite it seeming as though the Champions League is now their priority, that could change if a number of other things happen.
With that being said, football.london has taken a look at what a dream end to the season could look like for the Gunners with a number of things going their way.
Liverpool points deduction
Liverpool actually being handed a points deduction was a scenario not considered by Arsenal, but it could potentially happen. Following Arne Slot's FA charge from the draw against Everton and the brawl that followed, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has suggested harsher punishments could be handed out.
"I would like to see referees at the final whistle moving towards the tunnel rather than standing in the middle looking for handshakes and any complimentary comments," Hackett toldFootball Insider.
"This will, I feel, reduce any tensions that have built up in the game. I hope that the level of fines will receive a more controlled approach by the manager and his assistant.
"If these fines going forward do not have the desired effect then we may see points deductions coming into play. The last time they used that sanction for an on-field mass confrontation was in the game between Manchester United v Arsenal (in the 1990s) where I was the man in the middle."
It would be quite an unprecedented outcome and the first time it has happened for three decades, but it could feasibly be an avenue taken if nothing changes with Liverpool at risk given their recent actions.
Title race twist
Though Arsenal would likely have to win at least another four league games over Liverpool, the title race could still go down to the wire.
The gap can go down to single figures however if Arsenal win their game in hand against Chelsea next weekend and take points off the Reds at Anfield. In reality, the Gunners would have to win that game to have any hope of overtaking their rivals.
As Arteta boldly stated, until it is mathematically confirmed, Arsenal are in the title race and will continue pushing until there is nothing left to fight for.
Transfer agreed
While Arteta and his players are currently focused on matters elsewhere, Arsenal's background team and interim sporting director Jason Ayto will be working on new signings for the summer transfer window.
After two quiet January windows and the trading period between those used to elevate the floor of the squad, Arsenal seemingly have the funds to make some big moves before the 2025/26 season. Bringing in a midfielder will be a priority especially as Thomas Partey and Jorginho look set to depart as free agents.
Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi looks to be the main target with a deal for him to arrive in north London all but confirmed. If Arsenal can finalise the final details of that and announce his signing while the season is still ongoing, it could come as a huge momentum boost.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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