Three times in a row, Arsenal came in second in the Premier League under the management of Mikel Arteta, with a total of 74 points from 38 matches, including 20 wins, 14 draws and 4 defeats. They finished the campaign 10 points behind Liverpool, the champions, and established themselves as England’s best developing team, even if trophies yet elude them. Let’s see how Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta plans to win next season’s title.
Premier League by the Numbers
Arsenal’s 69 goals were the third best in the division, and their 34 conceded were the best defense in the league. A goal difference of +35 was testament to a back line led by William Saliba and Gabriel, and the emergence of goalkeeper David Raya.
Despite the impenetrability of their unbeaten run at the Emirates, 14 draws—with six in which Arsenal threw away leads—would cost them. In tight away games, the Gunners have taken important points but also thrown away potential wins at both Brighton and Wolves. Arteta has stressed that the biggest lesson of the season has been the need to turn a draw into a victory.
Champions League Semi-Final Run
For the third time in their history, Arsenal progressed to the semi-finals of the Champions League. They were matching the runs of 2005/06 and 2008/09. They beat Real Madrid 3-2 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, with a late Gabriel goal at the Emirates sealing passage.
These good times in Europe were both pipped with a 3–2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Having won 2-1 in North London, Arsenal were beaten 2-0 in the return at the Parc des Princes, and the return serves as a reminder of how close these games can be, and of how valuable knockout experience is. Arteta says deep runs like this ought to be the norm, not the exception.
Key Messages of Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta
In his end-of-season press conference on May 18, 2025, Arteta called for players and fans alike:
- “We have to write our own history at the Emirates.”
- “The hunger and the talent are here; now it’s about turning that into trophies.”
- “Expectations will be higher, scrutiny fiercer, so we must be ready.”
These quotes encapsulate his philosophy: close only counts in horseshoes, not football.
Transfer Plans (June 2025)
Arrivals Confirmed
- Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)—signed on 30 June 2025 for £5 million, adding competition behind Raya.
Primary Targets
- Martin Zubimendi (CM)—talks were progressing; however, Bilbao is demanding a high fee.
- Christian Nørgaard (CM)— advanced discussions over a move for midfield reinforcement.
Areas of Focus
- Reliable goal scorer to finish high-quality chances.
- Additional full-back depth for fixture congestion.
Areas for Improvement
Injuries to key players like Martin Ødegaard (hamstring) and William Saliba (groin) interrupted momentum. Besides, a combined 15 muscle injuries blocked squad rhythm.
Set-piece defending yielded 10 goals from dead balls, one of the largest totals among the top six, and led to targeted coaching sessions.
Discipline related problems led to six suspensions, which resulted in tactical changes for key March–April fixtures.
The club has already brought in additional fitness coaches and analytics staff to attack these weaknesses head-on prior to pre-season.
My Final Thoughts
Arsenal has a clear strategy: build depth, improve set-piece coordination, and cultivate a decisive edge in tight games. If the Arteta way results in better recruitment and mental fortitude, 2025/26 could be the season the title drought finally comes to an end.
Champions League football has been secured, new signings are on the way, and a manager is demanding trophies as Arsenal are tantalizingly close to turning near-misses into history at the Emirates. The blueprint is ready—now it’s time to get things done.
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Sources
- www.premierleague.com/tables?co=1&se=489&ha=-1
- www.arsenal.com/news/games-goals-great-stats-numbers-behind-2425
- www.onefootball.com/en/news/medical-complete-arsenal-set-to-confirm-signing-of-premier-league-star-41294109
- www.arsenalinsider.com/transfers/confirmed-arsenal-summer-2025-transfer-ins-and-outs-signings-and-done-deals/
