Arsenal supporters enter this season with clear ambitions, their hopes firmly set on seeing the team lift a major trophy such as the Premier League or the Champions League. Following a substantial summer of investment, expectations have risen dramatically, with many fans believing that the current squad possesses the quality and depth required to compete successfully on multiple fronts. Over the past few campaigns, Arsenal have come agonisingly close to major silverware, and this term is widely viewed as their best opportunity yet to convert progress into tangible success.
The club’s management and players have worked tirelessly to rebuild Arsenal into a competitive and respected force both domestically and in Europe. Yet for many supporters, effort alone is no longer enough. The demand now is for results and, more importantly, trophies. The Gunners’ impressive performances in recent seasons have rekindled belief, but true validation will only arrive when the team finally ends its silverware drought.
The Debate Over Priorities
Some observers have suggested that Arsenal should focus on the Carabao Cup, given it is the first and most accessible competition of the season. Last season, the Gunners reached the semi-final stage of the tournament, a promising sign that they have the depth to contend on multiple fronts. Supporters are hopeful that the team can go one step further this year and secure that piece of silverware.
However, questions remain over whether winning only the Carabao Cup would be enough to satisfy both fans and the club’s leadership. For a side of Arsenal’s stature and ambition, expectations now extend far beyond domestic cup success. The Carabao Cup, while valuable as a morale booster and a signal of progress, is often viewed as a secondary prize compared to the Premier League and Champions League titles that supporters crave most.
The Weight of Expectation on Mikel Arteta
Arsenal’s last major honour came in 2020, and while any trophy would be welcomed as evidence of progress, it may not be sufficient to meet the ambitions that have been set following significant summer spending. Arteta has been backed heavily in the transfer market, and the board’s faith in his vision is clear. Yet such investment inevitably brings pressure.
Winning only the Carabao Cup could be seen as a modest return for a club that has invested heavily and built one of the most competitive squads in England. The reality is that Arsenal are now expected to challenge for the highest honours. Anything less might be viewed as a step forward, but not the ultimate fulfilment of their potential.
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Premier league trophy is what arsenal club and fan base what’s,we need to capitalize on it this season because of the quality players we have, champions league is another one.
Liverpool lost today to a struggling Man united they will still lose more because they are shambolic everywhere including the coaches,for us we better not lose our matches, Manchester city will also stumble along the way haaland has been bailing them out several times their time with run out soon.
Let’s hope so.
City are counting on Pep’s new fast-countering approach right now, and Haaland’s resultant goals, so a drop off in form with him or the wide players could give us more breathing room. That said, if Rodri rediscovers form later in the campaign, they will have more flexibility and easily be our biggest threat.
As far as Liverpool goes, I’m not sure Slot has figured out what to do yet. He threw all of his Galacticos on against Man United, and still lost to Harry Maguire, LOL!
All this talk of Arteta being sacked if we don’t win a trophy is ridiculous imo. Look at the mess he inherited. Our squad was thinner, overpaid, less motivated having seen a few managers through the revolving door, and lacking talent across the board. Look at what Amorim inherited at MU. We had players like Holding ffs. Arteta also had far less transfer budget to work with in his first seasons due to our poor performances over years.
So for the first time since he joined as manager he finally gets a transfer budget that matches the club’s ambition, and now everyone says he must win something? The reason we have the transfer budget is the consecutive CL places he has achieved. He took us to the Semi’s last year in the CL. Three second place finishes in the PL. And all done with a thin, injury ravaged squad. It’s nuts to even think he should leave if we don’t win a trophy. Finally we have a squad with the talent and depth to compete across the board. And if Arteta doesn’t win the PL or CL, then he will next year, or the year after.
We’re one LW transfer away from having the best squad in the PL, and up there in the world. For me it’s Semnyo and losing Jesus and Trossard. From there we will win trophies. Regularly. And over the next 3-5 years.
I thought Arteta was the wrong man for the job initially. I was completely wrong. The guy is a mastermind. The players will run through brick walls for him. And who the hell is better to replace him? The fans needs to grow a pair and get behind him no matter what.
Agree with many of your points. It is a really curious article at this time of the season especially given Arsenal’s current position. Unfortunately, this type of cynical piece is regularly put out by certain fans who want to continue an unnecessary negative discourse designed to undermine Arteta.
Arsenal will of course be competing on multiple fronts and have strengthened well. The team have improved from year to year. The club needs more good enthusiastic and effective support from fans rather than idle speculation about the manager’s future.
Yes in the sense top 4 and a trophy I see enough fans saying that’s okay .
Remember some say trophies are not everything so I think Koronke Family and enough Gooners will be content
Arsenal must prioritize winning major Silverware such as the premier league or champions league in this campaign, partly due to pressure from pass near missis, squad investment, and fans expectations.
While a trophy is crucial, the club should not be defined solely by it, as progress includes building a winning culture, developing a clear identity, and consistently competing at the highest level.
Success is not limited to just winning, but also about the continuous journey of improvement that can can build a stronger more competitive team for the future.
Think am beginning to sound like a scratch record 😃
How can you create a winning culture if you don’t win anything ?
Depends on how how you define a winning culture.
Depends if your measuring it on games won, a winning run, or winning trophies.
A winning run might be measured by the number of times one qualifies for the CL, as Arsene Wenger was measured by from both you and myself amongst others.
I define a winning culture by …..winning things lol
If for example Arteta left tomorrow I wouldn’t say ….the winning culture returned
I don’t understand your last sentence and why you keep using “lol” is rather childish.
I gave you different examples of how one can define a winning culture, so why not address those?
Knocking on the door for three consecutive seasons does showing consistency
But there does appears to be a winning culture at Arsenal, driven by a combination of a strong to the current campaign, increase squad depth and resilience and a new focus on leadership and accountability.
The gaffer has instilled a mentality of finding ways to win.
The team defensive strength and ability to secure results, even with key players out ARE KEY INDICATORS OF THIS WINNING CULTURE
Did we knock on the door last season.?
It’s opinions of course but in my opinion you cant be a club who doesn’t win anything but then say there is a winning culture lol
Yes our winning mentality took us to second in the last campaign, but we must become greedy and win more.
We last won the Prem in 2004 so……allot more lol
Yes, but it is that winning mentality that has developed into a winning culture because it establishes the mindset of high expectations, resilience and a focus on continuous improvement that is essential for success.
When say a Timber for example within the team adopt a winning mindset, he’s more likely to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and stay motivated to achieve shares goals, which in turns build a culture where excellence and growth has becomes the norms.
Cheers up , it has never look so good 😃
That’s the point ….it has
Can I ask then why don’t we win anything if we have winning mentality
Let’s say in 2025
Newcastle over two legs
Man u in FA Cup
PSG over 2 legs
Anfield this season
Man City at home
When it matters we freeze up ?
So how’s that a winning culture
That’s the opposite surely ?lol
I guess those who have been saying we need to win a trophy and not worry about stability etc etc will be more than pleased to see a trophy parade.
Myself, I’d rather see us ensuring another CL season by finishing in the qualifying places for said competition than winning the Carabo cup.
I believe just by qualifying we will earn more than actually winning said Carabo cup, thus allowing even more investment into the club by our owner.
I’m hoping for bigger fish to fry and in this order – PL CL FA CUP but the Carabo cup would be a tasty opener I guess.
Agree, though I think Top 4 is pretty locked in unless something goes horribly wrong with injuries…
Both domestic trophies are very realistic ambitions given the squad quality. Arteta also seems to have figured out in recent games how to best deploy the players too. If we don’t get to the finals of at least one, I think there will be questions raised.
Top 4?
I cannot really see how we’d NOT achieve this, given the state of the competition…
PL champions?
Strong possibility. (Almost) everything structural is in place, we’re doing well with the points tally early on, and crucially, we keep winning away at against mid-table teams, where we dropped winnable points in the past. Those three are all key positive indicators when compared with previous seasons. Though, I would never underestimate Guardiola’s uncanny ability to snatch a league title in the run-in.
CL?
Always going to be a long shot given the nature of the tournament. Making the quarters or semis again would be a decent enough result. The finals would be a genuine achievement. Winning it all would get Arteta a statue outside the Emirates.
Good breakdown Bergkampfwagen
but it seems manure are, finally, starting to get things together.
I see ourselves, city115, pool, chelsea, brighton, manure and palace being involved at the end of the season.
Man United was much improved against Liverpool yeah, seems it’s finally dawned on Amorim that a different formation might work sometimes! Though they have a long way to go and still seem pretty Spursy to me.
Would love to see Palace challenge for the Top 4, especially if it makes the Chavs sweat.
Oh your confused , he would lose job if he didn’t qualify for CL
So let’s say if we finish top 4 , i think he keeps job so of course top 4 and Carabo Cup would be enough
Well Dan, he didn’t lose his job when he DIDN’T qualify for the CL, so I guess your confused!!
Because we were not in the CL at the time were we ?
So they believed rightly that long term he was good enough to get us in the CL ?
Not getting your argument
Kind of saying the same thing ?
So if we finished 5th this season you don’t think he would be sacked ?
No, your confused mate!!
You have said many times that Arteta would only get sacked if he didn’t qualified for the CL.
But he didn’t in his second and third season (8th and 5th) and, as we know, he didn’t get the sack.
So your argument falls down twice!!
Do I think he will be sacked if we finish 5th?
Depends if we win the CL, FA cup or Carabo cup and whether we have the same horrendous injury list that we had last season.
Not an argument, an opinion
I was asked will winning the Cup be enough and im saying as long as he finishes top 4 he will stay in the job
Your agreeing so what’s the issue lol
The issue with is your point that he will not be sacked if he qualifies for the CL.
He failed to do that on two separate occasions (three if you count his first season, which is unfair) and he didn’t get the sack – can we at least agree on that fact, which then, of course, blows your opinion out of the water?
Ken1945,
While I hear what your saying regards the three times Arteta failed to qualify for the CL.
But what I would say regarding that, the owners seemed to be of the view that it was going to be a long term project and were willing to wear any early failure to qualify for CL.
The question now is if he were to fail to qualify for the CL now, would the owners be willing to wear it?.
My view of your last sentence would imply an unbelievable regression which I think is highly unlikely. If we fail to qualify I’d think his job would most certainly be on the line.
According to some, the winning of a trophy is more important than qualifying for the CL Derek, something that I have always argued against.
If MA failed to qualify this season (taking injuries into account) I would be first in the queue asking for his resignation.
The CL money guarantees our future going forward, as we cannot keep relying on Mr Kronkie.
We have two really hard games this week and it will be very interesting to analyse where we are after the results of said games.
So you agree with me then ?lol
No, as I see the CL qualification as more important than winning a trophy – that’s why I always supported Arsene.
But we both have said Arteta should leave if he finished outside top 4 so we agree
But your saying he has to win a trophy and qualify for the CL… I’m not and I’m also quoting a reason that might stop that from happening.
No I didn’t say that all lol
I was asked if the Carabo Cup would be enough and said sure because the only way I could see him sacked was if he didn’t qualify for the CL
Then I misunderstood what you were saying, so…. wait for it…. I apologise.
Let’s hope it doesn’t happen eh?!
It won’t happen
I be amazed
Agree. Top 4 and Carabao would be easily enough. Failure to make Top 4 would put his job in jeopardy. Though I expect he’ll need to also do well in the CL too or questions will be raised, as advancement there means lots more cash.
Our previous manager never got the sack for failing to qualify for the CL in 2017. In fact he signed a new 2 year contract.
Oh here .he comes lol
But Uni Emery did ,?
So maybe they look at the individual and think he’s good enough /not good enough to get in top 4
Just my opinion but to have that investment and then finish outside top 4 would put allot of pressure on from fans and club would act
Top 4 he be okay
“Oh here he .comes lol” ???
Unai Emery never got the sack for failing to qualify for the CL, he got the sack because he had lost the dressing room.
Well just giving my opinion to the article .
Yes Carabo Cup will be enough as long as we remain in the CL
And your wrong again
The club statement said the results and performances were at the level required lol
I’m wrong, that’s sooooo funny. We were slipping down the league due to the performances and results. We were 8th in the PL, lost at home to Frankfurt and on our worst run in over 20 years. Players were taking the mickey out of the way Emery spoke.
The Carabao Cup would be a start.
The FACup in 2020 was played in empty stadiums and Arteta wasn’t given any credit because it was won by the AW and UE players he inherited. The same has to be said of Slot who won the league with Klopp’s players
The years that followed belonged to City until last year. My excuse was the season long disruption caused by our best players being injured for long periods. It says a lot about the club and how they managed to maintain 2nd in the face of this crisis.
The owners have invested and I expect a better showing. There really can be rotation without any obvious drop off now. The lack of it before was our undoing. Liverpool have shown frailties which goes to show that anyone saying that they would win the league when we lost to them was jumping the gun. The league is more open this year but I expect Arsenal to show that they have the tools to compete strongly in all competitions
We need to win trophies to ‘validate’ our progress.
While the Premier League and / or the Champions League should be our highest ambitions if possible,
The Carabao and F A Cup, should not be diminished.
Liverpool and Man U have won the Carabao many many times between them – It didn’t hold them back from the Prem or the C L, and they were very successful on all fronts – that’s what ‘The Arsenal’ should be aiming for.
The basic salary is winning the EPL title; the bonuses can be winning ucl carabao or fa cup. On the day Pool wilts talking about winning the carabao cup doesn’t make sense.
We are playing so ugly of late.If we continue playing that way,our luck will definately run out
what do you really want winning or playing well Man utd played so ugly against pool yesterday and won everyone is praising Amorim but when the Arsenal win ugly it’s an issue for as long as we get maximum points that’s all that matters secondly Arteta hasn’t been able to play his best 11 together in a single match due to injuries,loss form etc thirdly the new players gyokeres,zubimendi,eze,Madueke,mosquera are still adapting to the team and the team is also adapting to them etc for example against tall center backs playing a low block Arteta might want to go with a physical front 2 of gyokeres and havertz but the german international is injured there are other games he might start ordegaard,eze,and rice in midfield with madueke and saka running the channels and havertz up top this are scenarios that might give us fast flowing,eye candy football but all the players must be available,fit and ready which isn’t the case right now for example gyokeres hasn’t got any rest he’s been leading the line in all games look at amount of work he puts in each game pressing, harassing,running in behind,his workrate it’s not easy
Agreed Kunde.
Great factual analysis.
For me for this season any trophy, including the Carabao Cup is acceptable – not ideal but acceptable!
That will give Arteta and the Team the room and time to continue the great job they have done so far. Yes winning the FA Cup, EPL and Champions League in that order would be better, fantastic and much preferred but we have come this far and we have done well as a Club (even considering not winning trophies the past few years). The Club and Team development has been fantastic and overall Arteta has done a good job (as opposed to a bad job). This season the Club has added depth to the squad, which for me, was the one issue holding us back from greater things.
All in all we are looking good and I think as The Arsenal (the fans, owners, Club etc) we need to enjoy what we have and work even harder for better things instead of daily criticising the team. Let us leave that to the opposition while we “defend” our Team and our gains.
Some of the negativity, especially coming from people who claim to be Arsenal fans and supporters is a little buffling. Yes criticism is always welcome but it has to be balanced and reasonable without trying to undo the good work that the Club has done so far. Some of the comments (and expectations I might add) border on ignorance, and I mean that in the nicest sense of the word.
Let’s not beat around the bush….
We have one of the most expensive squads on the planet with one of the highest paid managers in the world.
To expect to win a trophy is a perfectly reasonable expectation considering the above, despite what some of the fans think. For me it’s FA Cup, EPL or UCL that is needed
I have posted on here on more than one occasion over time that our lack of success doesn’t exactly give us the right to pick and choose which trophy to go for.
While the Premier League and Champions League are the priority’s obviously, the FA Cup and the League Cup shouldn’t be sniffed at. Winning either would give the squad a taste of success, which in turn would hopefully have a knock on effect regards the Premier League and Champions League.
Whether winning just the League Cup alone would cost Arteta his job, is open to question which this article is asking.
It all depends on the owner’s doesn’t it. Would they be happy having given Arteta all this backing and only have a League Cup to show for it. Hopefully we’ll win a trophy, and everything will become clearer. One way or the other.
It does depend on the owners Derek. When one considers the noise surrounding Slot (great job not ruffling anything last season to win the league), it could look hollow SHOULD Liverpool fall back this season because a few new players weren’t integrated in his first year. Liverpool have thrown the kitchen sink at it this season and it may come to haunt them.
At this stage of the season, even contemplating what should happen to Arteta in May is potty. The 3rd round of the FACup hasn’t been drawn and everything else so far is looking good. I think you’re spot on that the Carabao Cup should not be sniffed at.
if we win the league cup or FA cup but we lose the title on goal difference or get beaten on penalties in the CL final. does that constitute failure and does the manager needs to be sacked?
i know it would mean a miserable few weeks at the end of the season but we do need to assess the situation on how we didn’t win it if we don’t.
not making the knock out stage in the CL and being in with a chance with 10 games in the league to go would constitute the board and fans to have every right to question if MA has taken us as far as he can.
right now we are doing ok bearing in mind we haven’t hit top gear. top of the league and unbeaten in the CL is a good start to the season but there is still a long way to go and a lost more twists and turns to come.
in an ideal world we would have wrapped up the league in Feb and marching on to the quarters in the CL. secured the league cup and still with a shout for the FA cup. unfortunately life isnt like that.
confidence is a fragile thing but we seem to be gaining that right now. a will to win and not lose or draw but no sooner have you got it you can lose it so lets take the old football saying of we take one game at a time…
onwards and upwards
Spot on @ allanball08 👍
ab08, I agree wholeheartedly and couldn’t have put it better 👍
Any trophy is good enough for me! We have gone for years without winning anything so we need to get into the routine of winning stuff, big or small, it doesn’t matter… let’s just WIN!
OT: Yesterday Amad clattered into an opponent, won the ball first then fouled the player. He received a yellow. Same thing with the Saka and Gyokeres penalty scenarios which we were denied on both occasions. ☹️ Conspiracy boys already 2 up in October.
Major trophy or move aside for someone who can deliver,we saw how slot came in and turned around a 17 point deficit overall without spending a penny ,that’s what you call progression,talking of process and phases what happened to all that talk ?or have we restarted seeing Arteta virtually signed a whole new team in the summer .
The only thing elite about Arteta is his wages and winning the clown cup will not change that .
With the return of Havertz Ode Jesus and Madueke, this team is UNSTOPPABLE!!! If squad is far from injury and remain FULL, all trophies are possible and achievable. COYG!!!!
Unstoppable ?
EPL or UCL. Those are the expectations. The fans know it, Arteta knows it, the players know it.
Yes Dan this week’s Octopus for predicting well esp Saturday’s matches! Not invincible but UNSTOPPABLE! Enrique of PSG did it just yester year why not another Spaniard at Arsenal! If the most ideal scenario of freeing the team from injury is maintained, Arsenal are really a juggernaut as a result of quality in the squad’s depth.
Just think it’s a bit early too be using words like that
Fair play though , support club how you wish
By the way the EPL table in JA is a bit different from other sources. JA states Liverpool is 3rd and others put Liverpool 4th in their tables. Which should we take as correct if the 4th goes to Europa League? If all are inseparable by all parameters, do we use alphabetical orders to order them?
Why are we even having this discussion. Early days, but with already a three point lead and a squad which has yet to show it’s full potential while our main rivals are still trying to find their rhythm. Does a manager who can’t make the most of such a driving seat position deserve to stay on for another season of frustration for both himself, his players and fans?
We are very lucky to have Arteta. He has transformed the team from a very frail, clumsy outfit slapped around by every big team to an intimidating, Real Madrid -steamrolling unit! Look at Man U suffering with Amorim. Do you want that? Arteta is the best option for us even if we don’t win the league this season.
Let’s debate that if and when it happens. In the meantime we are quietly and resolutely working to win the EPL. No fanfare, no negativity, let’s just get on with it.
The Carribou cup is a mickey mouse reserve team cup. I for one enjoy it only because you sometimes see future stars playing and players who don’t always get a game. With our squad, we should be thinking a lot bigger. Not booby prize.
It’s quite silly to be so dismissive of the Carabao Cup in contemporary times. Most teams take it seriously now especially when they get to the latter stages of the tournament.
It may not have the prestige of other titles but it is a serious tournament.
For me, People can deride any trophy they want. But at the start of every season, the teams in Europe have four trophy’s to go for. And if you enter you try and win them it’s that simple. Other wise what’s the point.🤷♂️
Derek, well said. It would seem that some of our fans are a bit snobbery when it comes to trophies. With the quality of players we have in our squad we should be going out to try to win all four trophies.
Herr Drier,
Thanks for your response. I’ve said it on more than one post. It’s laughable really, with our recent lack of trophy’s we’re in no position to pick and choose what trophy to go for. It comes across as arrogant in my view.