Plenty conspired against Arsenal in 2024–25, there's no denying that, but given what was expected of the Gunners in pre-season, the campaign was ultimately a disappointment.
Sure, progress was made in Europe and we'll always have those nights against Real Madrid, but defeat in the semi-finals to eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain tamed the significant of those triumphs over the perennial victors.
The performances against PSG, especially in Paris, showed that Arsenal aren't far off, but they've been nearly men for much of Mikel Arteta's project.
There performance in the face of adversity was admirable at times, but Arteta's men underperformed as a collective. Individually, these were the three players I believe underwhelmed the most in 2024–25.
1.Ben White
Ben White
White's season was hampered by a knee injury, | James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages
Perhaps this is harsh on White, who missed a large chunk of the season through injury. The converted centre-back was reportedly dealing with the issue for weeks before he eventually went under the knife, which explains why he failed to perform with his usual assertion at the start of the campaign.
White's season can be defined by one word: rust. He never settled as a result of the knee issue, and Arteta only gradually eased him in once he returned to action in February.
Jurrien Timber's form ensured White wasn't given much of a sniff, but he did finally enjoy a run in the team right at the very end. It wasn't until the final day when White looked much more like his usual self. At St. Mary's, he got up and down that right flank with a point to prove, often hitting the byline and he teed up Kieran Tierney's opener.
This was a poor season for White, but he's know got the chance to re-assert himself with Timber undergoing ankle surgery.
2.Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard
The skipper came under heavy scrutiny. | Shaun Botterill/GettyImages
There were hints of a resurgence late in the day, but Odegaard's bright run of form to conclude 2024–25 won't be enough to mask what was his worst campaign since joining the club permanently.
The skipper was limited by an ankle ligament injury in the autumn, and Arsenal struggled through his absence. Many projected an upsurge once he returned, and although there were bright sparks early on – most notably at Stamford Bridge – Odegaard's campaign quickly petered out.
Rarely did the skipper stamp his authority on games, especially the big ones. The Nordic playmaker boasted an air of perpetual hesitance as games relentlessly passed him by without Odegaard ever leaving a fingerprint.
He did record eight Premier League assists, but a return of three goals was his lowest since his six-month loan spell. His shot-creating actions were down to 4.8 per 90 minutes from 6.41 last season, while the captain's shot count was a mere 1.86 per 90 having averaged 2.68 during his impressive scoring campaign of 2022–23 – stats via FBRef.
We can't be writing off the man capable of wonder just yet, but this was a bad season. He never stepped up when Arteta's side needed him most.
3.Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling
What was the point of that? | Carl Recine/GettyImages
Were there hints of excitement when Sterling joined the club on loan late in the summer window? I think there were. He was the sole attacking addition made by Edu Gaspar, with Arsenal taking a punt on the experienced winger who hadn't shown his best form since Euro 2020.
His two years at Chelsea were indifferent, but Sterling asserted that we were about to see the best of him. That announcement video could've been enough to turn doubters into believers, but it didn't take the Englishman long to prove those in the former camp right.
His loan spell came to an end with just a solitary goal to his name. You can count the number of 'decent' performances Sterling produced on one hand, as he failed to garner the trust of Arteta.
The Gunners banked on Sterling being their handy fourth attacker capable of impacting games off the bench and filling in when needed like Leandro Trossard. However, the 29-year-old never came close to earning the 'dependable' tag.
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