Arsenal virtually sealed their Champions League place for next season with a draw against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. Second half goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino ensured the spoils were shared in an entertaining encounter in Merseyside.
Things could’ve been much better if Mikel Merino had not been sent off late in the encounter and this was because the Gunners were the more dominant side in the second half prior to his sending off. Nevertheless, Arsenal would’ve been delighted to hang on to that precious point away from home. That point also meant that they remained unbeaten – for the second season in a row – against the traditional big six. Indeed, Liverpool were the last of such opposition in a season where we were their closest challengers. The last time Arsenal lost a game against such opposition was back in 2023, two years and / or over 700 days ago! That loss was a pretty damaging one when looking back at it. The Gunners lost 4-1 to Manchester City at the Etihad which virtually ended our hopes for the League title that season.
Gunners unbeaten against the big six
Going unbeaten for the second season in a row against the big six is definitely a record to be proud of. Gone are the days when Arsenal were getting battered for fun and couldn’t even beat a top six side away from home. Mikel Arteta has to be accredited for this transformation in the past few years but that next step is to obviously take us over the line.
Ultimately, the tangible achievements are what count the most, Mikel Arteta’s tenure will be judged based on the amount of trophies won, so he has to start delivering in the near future. By the ‘near future’, most would agree on it being next season, but if they aren’t forthcoming then serious questions will be asked about his future at Arsenal.
Next up for Gunners
Before we get there however, we have to finish this campaign first. The Gunners will play host to Newcastle in the penultimate fixture of the Premier League campaign on Sunday 18th May. It will be a battle between 2nd and 3rd with a runner-up spot being up for grabs! Arsenal’s final game of the season will be on the following Sunday when they will travel to St Mary’s Stadium to take on Southampton.
We still have the chance to finish on a high!
What are your thoughts Gooners?
BENJAMIN KENNETH
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So what if Arsenal are unbeaten against the big six, big deal.
What does that matter when they then go and lose at home to West Ham and Bournemouth. Lose away to Newcastle and Bournemouth. And draw as many games when in winning positions.
Whoopee, they haven’t lost against the big six.
Do they get a trophy for that, I thought not.🙄🤦♂️
While were at it, shall we celebrate winning the the London league. Again do we get a trophy for that. Again, I thought not. 🙄🤦♂️
Come on people it’s trophy’s🏆 we need, not bigging up be undefeated against the big six. Really!🙄🤦♂️🤷♂️
Chill mate
@DEREK, you really need to take things easy mate.
That Arsenal hasn’t won a trophy doesn’t mean that some obvious facts and historical stats can no longer be expressed.
The author of this article did not in any way suggest that stats could be substitute for a trophy. But facts/stats can always be stated for whatever it is worth, no?
I guess it’s the first time you’re seeing Derek comment……
Cos it’s just typical Derek’s comments
That’s good to know. A far cry from the usually expected drubbings we were served during the latter Wenger years
The irony being Arteta has yet to win at Anfield in the Prem and also has been well beaten then compared to Mr Wenger who has at least won there
How is that ironic? Wenger was manager for over 20 years. You would expect that a top level manager would get some wins at a rival from time to time.
A few years ago our record against other top teams was awful. At a time we were considered flat track bullies and it seemed we would get a shellacking at least once a season.
People are now mocking good results against other top sides; that’s ironic.
Dan,
The stats people on here come out with to try and massage Arsenal’s ego.
Unbeaten against the big 6.
Actually while I’m at it, shouldn’t it be against the big 5. Or are Arsenal that good that they can go unbeaten against themselves. 😂🤣👍