Arsenal and their supporters are entitled to feel disappointed. The season began with genuine optimism, and the results during the first half of the campaign were promising. Yet, in the weeks following Christmas, the team lost momentum. Arsenal fell away in the Premier League, where Liverpool proved relentless throughout, and were eliminated from the Champions League in the semi-finals by Paris Saint-Germain.
Looking ahead, Arsenal must reflect critically on the failures of 2024–25 and take meaningful steps to avoid a repeat.
A final slipped through Arsenal’s fingers
The Champions League semi-final defeat to PSG will be remembered as the most painful moment of the season for Mikel Arteta and his squad. It is here that the club’s hierarchy must begin their analysis. The summer transfer window presents an opportunity to strengthen a squad that is strong in many areas but lacking in the depth required to challenge on multiple fronts.
After being eliminated by a PSG side now expected to beat Inter Milan in the final, according to the latest Champions League betting odds, Arsenal must act with conviction. Despite another encouraging campaign, the absence of silverware again exposes the limitations of Arteta’s squad at the highest level. The models followed by PSG and Inter offer a clear blueprint. Success demands a balance between youthful promise and seasoned experience, along with a coach capable of uniting both. Arteta has already proven himself capable, but he cannot do it alone.
The summer window will offer a reset. Even with a slightly earlier deadline than usual, top clubs like Arsenal must make more of their younger players. That means giving them real minutes and responsibility, much like Barcelona have done in recent years. It is for this reason the Premier League is considering reforms to allow loans to Championship clubs outside standard windows, to accelerate development.
What went wrong in the Premier League
Arsenal also came up short domestically. Assessing their league form is more nuanced. The major obstacle was another side in red. For much of the autumn, Arsenal matched Liverpool stride for stride, even topping the table for spells. But when Liverpool hit their stride under Arne Slot in January, they pulled away and never looked back.
Many analysts and bookmakers expected a transitional year at Anfield following Jürgen Klopp’s departure. They were wrong. Slot has been a revelation, implementing his vision immediately and building a title-winning side. His first season in charge has been nothing short of outstanding.
In truth, Arsenal did not lose the title. Liverpool won it. The Merseyside club have been the best team in the division from start to finish and thoroughly deserve their crown. That said, Arsenal do not appear far behind.
They continue to play intelligent, high-level football. Their system creates chances for their key players and their defensive unit, though not perfect, is capable of sustaining pressure and recovering possession. What they lack is a more ruthless edge and, perhaps, some good fortune.
The latter cannot be coached. The former can. It is up to Arsenal’s recruitment team to identify players with the mentality to elevate the squad, and to instil a deeper hunger for success within the existing group.
This is a strong side. But it is not yet a winning one. That distinction must be addressed if Arsenal are to ensure 2025–26 ends differently.