This has been a challenging season for Arsenal, as they once again concluded the campaign without lifting a trophy, a situation that has become a frustrating pattern in recent years. Despite making strides in various competitions, the Gunners ultimately fell short when it mattered most.
For the third consecutive season, Mikel Arteta’s men finished in second place in the Premier League, demonstrating consistency but also highlighting their inability to make the final leap to glory. There were, however, noticeable improvements in both domestic and European cup competitions.
Stronger Cup Performances Offer Encouragement
Arsenal reached the semi-final stage of both the Carabao Cup and the UEFA Champions League, marking tangible progress in knockout formats. Paris Saint-Germain ended their European campaign, while Newcastle United halted their Carabao Cup journey. Though disappointing to exit at the penultimate stage, the club’s presence in the latter rounds of these tournaments suggests development in squad depth and resilience.
The disappointment of finishing behind champions Liverpool once again has been difficult for supporters to accept, particularly given the high expectations at the start of the season. Nonetheless, their performances across all competitions reflect a team that is learning and evolving.
Ian Darke Defends Arsenal’s Campaign
ESPN’s Ian Darke offered a more measured perspective on Arsenal’s season. Writing for the outlet, he noted:
“After two runner-up finishes, many felt this would be the Gunners’ year, so it was easy to dismiss them as ‘nearly men.’ But another second-place spot and a thrilling run to the semifinals of the Champions League — which included a comprehensive defeat of Real Madrid — is hardly a failure. The reticence to sign a quality striker in January came back to bite them hard, while 14 draws told a story of the Gunners’ failure to put teams to the sword.”
Darke’s comments reflect a broader truth: while Arsenal have not yet captured the silverware they crave, their progress is undeniable. The disappointment is real, but there is also a sense of momentum building under Arteta’s leadership.
If Arsenal can address key weaknesses, particularly in the striker position, they may well convert these near-misses into tangible success next season. For now, reflection must be balanced with ambition as the club prepares for another vital campaign.
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For me it depends what defines success. For a bottom half team for instance, success might look like staying in the division and maybe having a good cup run.
For the middle of the league teams it might be a best finish in their league position and maybe a good cup run.
For the top teams those with ambition, surely success for them is producing something tangible like a trophy.
For me, Arsenal’s three 2nd place finishes show a good level of consistency. And their good Champions League run to the Semi-final, coupled with their run to the League Cup semi-final while deserves some credit. But at the end of the day, the so called big boys of the game’s ambitions are more than that. So for me, the season hasn’t been a success.
But as I said at the beginning of this post, it depends on how success is defined by said clubs.
In spite of all the injuries we finished 2nd for the third straight year. Quite an accomplishment, and quite the consistency in today’s game.
We have not improved from last year, so for me it is hard to claim “success” without improvement.
If “success” means top 4 and CL invite, then you could call this year a success.
However, no improvement, no growth, no player with double digit goals, no trophy, not addressing striker issue until it slaps you in the face.
We maintained 2nd place this year, an accomplishment but not success.
Durand,
It’s hard to argue with your post to be honest.👍👏
Not sure it’s an accomplishment
It’s definitely an accomplishment with all the injuries we’ve had, as is tying with Barcelona for the third best team in the CL.
But success is watching the ladies winning the CL and that was quite an accomplishment in itself!!
Definition – something that has been achieved successfully.
“the reduction of inflation was a remarkable accomplishment”
I would like to think at start of season no one was saying 2nd was something that needs to be achieved
Listening to Henry at the moment
He , Viera , Adams , etc never would call being 10 points off the Champions an accomplishment