Arteta's 'nearly men' have set another unwanted record after finishing runners-up again
ST MARY’S — For the first time in three years, Arsenal’s last Premier League fixture of the season had nothing riding on it, a meeting with long-condemned Southampton ensuring the deadest of dead rubbers on the south coast.
In their previous two campaigns, Mikel Arteta’s side pushed eventual champions Manchester City all the way until the final weekend, eventually settling for second place in both.
No such drama on this occasion with second place sewn up. The travelling fans returned home happy, at least, even after being goaded by their hosts. “Tottenham Hotspur, they’ve won more than you!” crowed the Saints fans, referencing Spurs’ Europa League exploits.
Kai Havertz finished as Arsenal’s lowest league scorer in 101 years (Photo: Getty)
It was a meaningless fixture, but with the pressure off both teams went for it. Will Still, announced as Southampton’s new manager an hour before kick-off, watched on from the stands, and will have been pleasantly pleased with what he saw.
Arteta had a similar vantage point, perched alongside Josh Kroenke as he served a one-match ban. He gave minutes to squad players including Kieran Tierney who swept in the opening goal on his farewell appearance ahead of his return to Celtic this summer, and Raheem Sterling who returns to Chelsea with his career in limbo.
Arsenal ended the game with a much stronger side than started it with Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard all brought on. Odegaard has had a disappointing campaign but ended on a high with a fine finish to cancel out Ross Stewart’s equaliser and ensure a 20th league win of the season.
Liverpool’s draw with Crystal Palace at Anfield means Arsenal finished 10 points behind the league winners. Both teams have trundled towards the finish line, with the title won a month ago, but unofficially some time before that.
The Gunners had hoped to make it third time lucky this season, but instead have become the first side to record three consecutive runners-up finishes twice in the Premier League era: between 1999-2001 and now 2023-25.
They have been unfortunate to come up against two treble-winning teams in those spells: Sir Alex Ferguson’s all-conquering Manchester United and Pep Guardiola’s ruthless Manchester City machine.
This year felt different. Liverpool have been brilliant and are worthy champions. Arne Slot has played a blinder with his subtle tweaks. Mohamed Salah has had the season of his life.
The dying embers of Jurgen Klopp’s best side have burned brighter than many expected them to.
But Arsenal didn’t push them hard enough. Injuries have played a major role and perhaps Arteta took the opportunity to have Kroenke Jr’s ear for 90 minutes to put forward some of his desired summer targets.
“He knows the sport so well, much better than me,” Arteta said. “We will have enough time in the next few days to discuss the topics that you are probably suspecting.”
A new striker is a must. Arsenal’s top-scoring player in the Premier League was Havertz with just nine goals. It had been 101 years since their league top scorer last finished on single figures. Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko are shaping up to be the main targets to rectify that record.
Plenty of positions need reinforced with incoming sporting director Andrea Berta in for a busy first transfer window since replacing Edu Gaspar. Increased competition in goal, central midfield and wide forward positions are a must if Arsenal are to shed their nearly tag.
For now, match going fans remain firmly behind “Super Mik”, even if dissenting voices are growing online. The fans who travelled to the south coast sang his name loud and proud. “He knows exactly what we need,” they chanted.
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“I hope they feel pride and they feel that this team gives absolutely everything,” Arteta said.
“There is nothing else to squeeze, not a single drop. I think there is more to give. Hopefully they value where we are and we have gone close.
“We have to make sure that we have the desire that we all have to make the next step.”
Will he retain such support in 12 months’ time if Arsenal’s trophy wait extends into a sixth year? Possibly not. With Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Tottenham all winning major trophies, the pressure on Arteta to deliver has only intensified.
Arsenal’s women have set the standard, thrillingly defying the odds to beat Barcelona in Lisbon in the Champions League final on Saturday. It was a colossal moment for the club and a first triumph for an English club in that competition in 18 years.
“It was incredible, the way that they played against that Barcelona team,” Arteta said. “It was a case again of their resilience and character because through the season they had a lot of issues.” When asked if Renee Slegers’ squad are an inspiration, Arteta replied: “100 per cent.”