Since Mikel Arteta took charge, Arsenal have shown remarkable progress over the last five years. From being a team constantly mocked to now being genuine title contenders. Yet, despite this progress, the Gunners have only lifted one FA Cup and two Community Shields during this period.
That return feels underwhelming for a club that has accumulated the most Premier League points in the last three seasons. The irony is that Manchester City, second on that list, have managed to win six major trophies in the same time.
This naturally raises the question: are Arsenal destined to be second best?
Last season appeared to be the perfect opportunity. With Manchester City undergoing a transitional phase, many believed Arsenal would finally capitalize after finishing as runners-up for two consecutive campaigns—once by five points and once by just two. But instead, it was Arne Slot’s Liverpool who stormed the league, finishing ten points clear at the top.
European campaign brought some hope, as Arsenal knocked out Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals, only to fall in the semifinals to PSG. Once again, the promise ended in heartbreak.
The arrivals of Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, and Martín Zubimendi had fans and pundits believing this could finally be their year. But the performances so far suggest otherwise.
Instead of playing with the free-flowing attacking style fans had come to admire, Arsenal appear overly cautious and pragmatic—playing more to avoid defeat than to secure victory. That shift has left many supporters frustrated, fearing that Arteta’s men may have taken a step backward in their playing identity.
The real test comes next: a tough away clash at St. James’ Park against Newcastle. With Liverpool dropping points at Crystal Palace, this is the perfect moment for Arsenal to make a statement. If they want to shake off the “perennial runners-up” tag, the Gunners must prove they are here not just to settle for silver, but to finally win gold.
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