Arsenal secured a crucial victory over Newcastle United, a result that basically guarantees they will finish second in the Premier League this season. While the win was an important step in maintaining their progress under Mikel Arteta, former player Paul Merson believes the team must begin to convert strong performances into silverware.
The Gunners have shown significant improvement over the past two campaigns and have challenged at the top end of the table. However, despite their efforts, they have once again fallen short of the league title, with consistency proving to be their undoing at key moments in the season.
Arsenal Must Take the Next Step
Many had tipped Arsenal as favourites to win the title this term, especially with Manchester City appearing to be below their usual high standards. However, while Liverpool seized the opportunity to mount a title challenge, Arsenal struggled to maintain the same level of performance throughout the campaign.
Although the team reached the semifinals of both the Champions League and the Carabao Cup, and will finish second in the Premier League, questions remain about their ability to get over the final hurdle. The squad clearly possesses talent and depth, but that must now be translated into tangible success.
Paul Merson addressed the issue in the aftermath of the Newcastle victory. As quoted by BBC Live, he stated:
“The problem with this Arsenal team is, I’m trying to back them up and say they’re a good team but you’ve got to win something. It’s not easy.
“Every time it gets to the latter stages they go. And I know people say they were ruthless last year and they just put their foot wrong once against Villa, but they did put their foot wrong. And Man City went perfect.”
Frustration Grows Among Supporters
There is a growing sense among supporters that being nearly successful is no longer enough. While the club has made undeniable progress under Arteta, the time has come to convert those steps forward into trophies. Finishing second two seasons in a row and going deep into cup competitions shows quality, but fans are eager for silverware to match the promise.
The coming season will be pivotal. Arsenal must not only continue their improvement but also ensure that their efforts result in lifting major honours.
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If Arsenal must win trophies , the team and its handlers must change their strategies. First and foremost , a world class striker is urgently needed , as we cannot continue to.play from
the wings all through , That formation is known to.all teams and strategies have been deployed against it . The team must always show character to win all.matches from the beginning. We played 14 draws in this season . Winning just 8 of the draws would have earned additional 16 points hence , be in contention for the premiership trophy. The number of red cards shows low level.of the team discipline , A disciplined team is a sine qua non for good results . In 2025/26 things must change and not just winning or be in second position , but trophies!!!. Arteta and the.team must learn from the mistakes of this season.
One last roll of the dice, Arsenal should focus on spending big on a few players, Isak, Florians, Zubimendi to a lesser extent on a winger and a goal keeper.
This is the most expensive approach to take, but this could take the war chest north of £300 mill
However, if Arsenal spend the money on the right players, we can be confident of beating the other teams to win as many trophies as possible
Which ever way we look at it, Arsenal summer transfer window will be crucial for our future success.
If our youngsters continue to win nothing does that make Arsenal the cemmentery of talents
Cemetery
Thank you Sue lol
It’s my phone
Spell it wrong once and good old predictive text keeps churning it out time and again.
As for the proverbial cemetery of talents, Odegaard could be classed as a player that RM invested decent money on his transfer and kept loaning out. Juan Mata also (albeit before Arteta) also was a product of the RM academy. It is just a fact that RM can hire the best prospects and proven players because of their status. It doesn’t alter the fact that some of them will not succeed there or will not get their chances and have to move on to play.
Like Reiss Nelson , Joe Wilock , Eddie Nketiah and Smith Rowe ?
Loads of clubs have academy kids not quite good enough
By that definition we are worse
To me youngsters do better at Real Madrid then Arsenal under Arteta ?
Who’s done better a Bellingham or a Saka?
I’m not disputing any of it. It’s the fact that historically RM have had the pick of the best. A fair number will have to leave to get a career. Both of my suggestions fit that criteria. Our academy players have got decent careers but not stellar ones. Basically, the likes of Madrid hoover up the best and spit out those who don’t cut it
Bellingham wasn’t part of the youth project
He is right. If you can’t win it, do the right thing. We are wasting money and time.
Another massive bit of insight there from Paul Merson. Arsenal must win trophy’s not just matches.
But Paul, the point your missing is that certain fans get all gassed up about Arteta’s win rate. Apparently that make failure to win trophy’s more expectable in some eyes. 🙄🤦♂️🤷♂️
No it doesn’t
SueP,
I’m afraid it does in some eyes. I’ve read posts on here bigging up the win rate on more than one occasion.
And when I say certain fans, I’m not referring to you, in case you took it that way.