In recent seasons, Arsenal have started to settle into a pattern of making a late flourish when all seems lost, but then performing even more poorly in the next campaign.
The final stretch of each season seems to lull fans into a false sense of security, making them think everything isn’t as bad as it appeared. It never lasts though. Let’s take a look at the last four seasons to illustrate the point.
12014/15
For much of the 2014/15 season, Arsenal struggled to impose themselves anywhere near the top of the table. Excluding the first two weeks of the season, the team could never get higher than fourth, and a defeat to Spurs in February left them in sixth place.
After an embarrassing 3-1 home loss to Monaco later in the month, things really looked bleak.
Then came the trademark late run. A win over Monaco restored some pride, even if 2-0 wasn’t enough to stay in the competition.
Eight straight wins in the league lifted the team to second place. In the FA Cup, Arsenal knocked out Manchester United and suddenly had a free path to the trophy.
The league form dropped off a bit once Arsenal secured top four and the focus shifted to Wembley. The team smashed Villa 4-0, lifted the cup, and most of the earlier troubles were forgotten.