It was only the second time in the English Premier League that a team had to finish second in three consecutive seasons. The North London club has done this both times. In the late 90s, Arsenal managed second place in the League for the 1998/99, 1999/00, and 2000/01 seasons. Similarly, in the 2022/23, 2023/24, and 2024/25. Next will be make-or-break for Mikel Arteta and his team.
Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger had to face Manchester United’s superior team, which dominated world football for years under the management of the famous Alex Ferguson, especially in the late 90s and the early 2000s. Recently, Arsenal faced a different super team from Manchester.
This time, the blue side of Manchester dominates English football. City outshines opponents with a brilliant style of play, especially after Pep Guardiola was appointed manager of Manchester City. The experienced Spanish manager has led his team to clinch six Premier League titles since 2016.
Silent title contender.
Not far from Manchester City, there is Liverpool. Their team keeps getting stronger every season. Managed by Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool challenged Manchester City for the title in several seasons and finally lifted their first-ever English Premier League title in the modern era in the 2019/20 season.
Newly appointed Liverpool manager Arne Slot saw his team capitalize on rivals’ misfortunes, leading them to their second league title. Manchester City and Arsenal had to squeeze their already limited squads due to injuries to key players.
Whenever an opportunity arises, Arsenal does not seem to have the winning mentality to drag itself to the finish line. In the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, they played as if they were going to win the title, and they meant it until the last few games. Last season was for them to chase, and they failed. They had a chance to add some firepower in the January transfer market but chose to ignore it, which eventually backfired.
Their rival, Manchester City, chased both Liverpool and Arsenal on different occasions with power, precision, and hunger in their belly to clinch the title, showing what it takes to win a major title. City stayed behind for most of those seasons, while others started their campaign in great shape but got stronger by the end of the season, while others crumbled.
The 2015/16 Leicester title-winning season saw Arsenal’s chances of winning the title fall short. The team finished second behind the surprise champions by ten points.
We look forward to the next season.
There will be huge pressure on any team in the world. This is especially true after three consecutive runners-up. It is even more so for Arsenal, since they lifted the title the last time they were in these circumstances. If any team in England knows how to do it, it is Arsenal.
Summer signings may play a significant role. The addition of attacking threat and the arrival of Martin Zubimendi are more than welcome in North London. Without a League title, Mikel Arteta will be in a difficult situation. There is so much expectation around the Emirates Stadium for the team to deliver a major trophy in the next season. Will it be a make-or-break season for Mikel Arteta? Only time will tell.
