Arsenal fans have every reason to dream big again. With Mikel Arteta at the helm, the Gunners have transformed from a team grappling with mediocrity to one firmly entrenched among the Premier League elite. However, the next step—turning progress into trophies—remains elusive.
The recent Carabao Cup quarterfinal victory against Crystal Palace, powered by a Gabriel Jesus hat-trick, highlighted Arsenal’s resurgence. Now, just a two-legged semi-final separates them from their first domestic cup final since 2020, when Arteta led the club to FA Cup glory in his debut season.
Despite the progress, Arsenal hasn’t lifted the Premier League trophy since 2004. For a club with such a rich history, the prolonged wait only intensifies the pressure. Yet, the statistics under Arteta paint a compelling picture of growth:
- Arsenal has earned 366 points under Arteta, behind only Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League.
- The 2022/23 season saw the Gunners amass a record 89 points with 28 wins and 91 goals—unprecedented numbers in the club’s Premier League history.
Rebuilding from the Ground Up
Arteta inherited a struggling squad in December 2019, characterized by an aging roster and waning morale. Arsenal languished in 10th place, and the once-feared Gunners were far from their glory days. The early years were turbulent, marked by player unrest, disappointing results, and the challenges of the global pandemic.
Through strategic recruitment and a focus on youth, Arteta has reshaped the squad into a dynamic unit. Key signings like Declan Rice and Kai Havertz symbolize a vision for sustained success. This overhaul, supported by a net spend of £500 million since 2019, has re-established Arsenal as serious contenders in England and Europe.
The Final Push
While Arteta’s achievements are undeniable, the final hurdle—delivering consistent silverware—is proving to be the most challenging. Arsenal has been runners-up in the Premier League for the past two seasons, falling short to a dominant Manchester City.
The focus now is clear: turning near-misses into triumphs. The team’s performance this season, six points adrift of the league leaders and still alive in multiple competitions, suggests the pieces are in place. However, consistency in front of goal and the ability to finish key matches remain areas of concern.
A Legacy in Progress
Arteta’s impact extends beyond the pitch. Under his guidance, Arsenal has rediscovered its identity, reconnecting with its fan base and embodying a clear footballing philosophy. As Arteta himself said, “Bringing the club together, lifting the spirit, and giving a very clear DNA to the football club” are among his proudest achievements.
Now, as Arsenal stands on the brink of achieving greatness once again, the challenge for Arteta and his team is to make that elusive final step. The Gunners have the talent, the resources, and the belief—now they must deliver.
