Arsenal’s 2024–25 season is officially over, and if you’re feeling a bit conflicted about it… you’re not alone.
Second place in the Premier League again. A semi-final Champions League exit after a glorious takedown of Real Madrid. Another year of “so close, yet not quite.” If you’re a die-hard fan, it stings. If you’re a neutral, it’s impressive. And if you’re someone who placed the odd soccer bet on the Gunners this season – well, it probably felt like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded.
So let’s zoom out. Where does this campaign rank among Arsenal’s best and worst in the 21st century? Not top. Not bottom. But somewhere in the middle, in that familiar Arsenal limbo we’ve all come to know.
2024–25: All the Right Moves, Just Not Enough of Them
Arsenal wrapped the season with 74 points, behind a ruthless Liverpool side that clinched the title with 84. The Gunners won 22 matches, drew 8, and lost 8 – down from the 89-point push that made City sweat in 2023–24.
Their biggest EPL win? A 5–0 hammering of Sheffield United. Their most frustrating loss? A 2–0 collapse at home to Aston Villa in April that pretty much sealed the title race… just not in their favor.
Over in Europe, the highlight reel was richer. A 3–0 home win against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals was the kind of night fans dream about. But then came PSG, and Arsenal just didn’t take their chances – losing 3–1 on aggregate and bowing out in the semis.
So what does that mean for punters?
- Outright bets: Arsenal burned plenty of futures tickets this season. Many saw them as real contenders after last year’s near miss.
- Over 2.5 goals: With their attacking output, this market delivered more often than not.
- Anytime goalscorer: Saka and Ødegaard were usually worth the odds, especially in tight games.
Good team, good bets – just not title-winning ones.
2003–04: Still the Stuff of Legends
It’s hard to talk about Arsenal’s highs without landing right here. The Invincibles season. Played 38, lost none. Ninety points, zero defeats, and a squad that read like a cheat code: Henry, Vieira, Pires, Campbell, Bergkamp.
They didn’t just win games – they controlled them. You could bet on Arsenal to win without blinking. Bookies paid out early. Fans got smug. Everyone else just hoped they’d drop points somewhere (they didn’t).
Even today, no Premier League team has gone undefeated in a season since. The closest City came, they lost once. Arsenal? Still unmatched.
From a bettor’s point of view:
- Match result: Almost guaranteed profit every weekend.
- Clean sheet: Lehmann and the backline delivered.
- First-half/full-time markets: Arsenal were kings of fast starts and dominant finishes.
2019–20: The Low Point Nobody Wants to Rewatch
If 2003–04 was the masterpiece, 2019–20 was the sketch that never made it to the fridge door.
Eighth place. Managerial chaos. Unai Emery sacked. Mikel Arteta promoted mid-season. The whole year felt disjointed. Arsenal still managed to win the FA Cup somehow – thank you, Aubameyang – but their league form was a mess. Inconsistent defending, a lack of identity, and the lowest Premier League finish in 25 years.
From a betting angle:
- Both teams to score: Often a good shout, mostly because Arsenal couldn’t keep clean sheets.
- Draws and shock losses: Punters who backed underdogs made bank.
- Cup runs: Those who stayed loyal for the FA Cup got rewarded, but few saw that coming.
How 2024–25 Compares: A Mixed Bag
This year’s squad showed flashes of brilliance. Ødegaard led with intelligence, Rice added grit, and Saka continued to evolve into one of the league’s most consistent threats. But depth was an issue. Injuries at the wrong time. Fatigue during the run-in. Missed chances when it mattered most.
If you’re betting on next season, here’s what to keep in mind:
- They’re consistent: top-four is almost a given now. Good for season-long bets.
- They struggle in Apri:– maybe don’t go all-in on title bets too early.
- Champions League potential is real: they’ve grown each year under Arteta in Europe. Another semi-final or final run isn’t a fantasy.
What’s Next?
Arsenal fans are split. Some see progress. Others are tired of finishing second. Both camps have a point.
But here’s the truth: Arsenal have gone from mid-table mediocrity to sustained title contention in just a few years. And while 2024–25 wasn’t one for the history books, it wasn’t one to tear out either.
If you’re placing a soccer bet on Arsenal next season, there’s value in backing them for top-four, cup runs, and individual scorers. But if you’re going all-in on a title win, maybe hedge your stake – just in case April shows up again with unfinished business.