Arsenal entered the season with high expectations, fuelled by their close title race the previous year and Mikel Arteta’s confident declarations during the preseason. With a refined squad and a focused manager, many supporters believed the time had finally come for the Gunners to reclaim Premier League glory. Arteta had openly visualised lifting the trophy at the Emirates, a symbolic image that now feels painfully distant.
Despite another commendable campaign marked by intensity and ambition, Arsenal once again find themselves without silverware. As the season nears its end, questions are being asked — what went wrong, and what needs to change? Arteta has not shied away from confronting these issues directly. According to him, two main factors held the team back. As fans reflect on another near miss, the anchor Melbet Nigeria becomes increasingly relevant for those who want to stay engaged in the football scene with a more personal stake. Be sure to read till the end to discover a gift — a promo code from Melbet ng that increases your welcome bonus when signing up.
Falling Short Again: A Third Successive Second Place
For the third season in a row, Arsenal find themselves trailing behind their title rivals. Although they maintained strong form for most of the campaign, they were unable to keep pace with Liverpool’s consistency and tactical execution. The turning point came during a crucial stretch of fixtures, where dropped points proved costly.
With only a couple of matches remaining, Arsenal are once again out of the title race. The gap to the top may not be insurmountable in raw numbers, but the psychological toll of being the runner-up repeatedly is hard to ignore. It’s a familiar pattern for a team that shows brilliance but falters at critical junctures.
The disappointment isn’t just about trophies — it’s about momentum. Arsenal’s inability to break through at the highest level raises questions about their readiness to compete toe-to-toe with more seasoned title challengers over a full season.
Arteta’s Two Key Reasons: Injuries and Red Cards
When asked to explain the season’s shortcomings, Mikel Arteta pointed to two recurring issues: red cards and injuries. Arsenal finished the season with the most red cards in the Premier League, disrupting key matches and costing the team vital points. Each dismissal left the squad vulnerable, often forcing tactical changes that undermined their rhythm.
Injuries also played a major role. Key players like Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Magalhães missed important stretches of the season. Their absence reduced Arsenal’s attacking threat and defensive solidity at crucial times.
Arteta maintained that with a healthier squad and more discipline, the team would have been “much closer” to the title. His assessment highlights how small margins, such as a timely recovery or a single rash challenge, can define the outcome of an entire season.
The Numbers Behind the Decline
Beyond individual moments, Arteta emphasised the cumulative cost of squad unavailability. He underlined how vital it is to have top players available every three days, especially when balancing domestic and European commitments. Arsenal simply couldn’t maintain the intensity required without regular access to their core performers.
The team’s lack of depth was exposed as injuries mounted. Unlike Liverpool or Manchester City, Arsenal struggled to rotate effectively while sustaining their level of play. This gap becomes even more pronounced in the latter stages of the season when fatigue sets in.
Arsenal’s form dipped whenever too many starters were sidelined, and the backups — though talented — could not always carry the load. Rhythm, sharpness, and cohesion all suffered as a result, illustrating the importance of both fitness and squad planning.
A Clear Path Forward: Summer Rebuild Plans
Looking ahead, Arteta has been clear: reinforcements are needed. The club is expected to be active in the summer market, with a striker, a midfielder, and a winger all on the wish list. These additions are not just luxuries — they’re essential if Arsenal hope to compete on multiple fronts.
Several contracts are set to expire, and some loaned-out players may not return, leaving the squad thinner than before. Arteta’s vision requires more than just talent; it demands durability, tactical flexibility, and fresh energy.
To close the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City, Arsenal must evolve. Strengthening the squad is no longer optional — it’s a necessity if they want to turn near misses into genuine success.
Make Smart Bets While Teams Rebuild: Explore Melbet Nigeria
While top clubs work to fix their weak spots during the summer, fans can stay involved in a different way. Melbet Nigeria offers flexible betting markets across Premier League and international fixtures, giving football enthusiasts the chance to act on their insights.
Using the promo code MELGIFT during registration on Melbet.ng unlocks an enhanced welcome bonus. It’s a small edge that can make early wins even more rewarding while staying connected to the game you love.
Conclusion
Mikel Arteta’s honest post-season evaluation highlights both progress and pain. Arsenal are clearly a better team than they were three years ago, but the climb to the very top remains incomplete.
What they’ve gained in tactical maturity and squad discipline, they still lack in depth and consistency. The challenge now is not only to maintain their upward trend but to solidify it with smarter recruitment and stronger mental resilience.
Next season could mark a turning point — but only if Arsenal address the gaps that have repeatedly held them back. The margin for error is shrinking, and the hunger for silverware is only growing.
