Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta candidly acknowledged that his team has “gone a step backwards” in the 2024-25 Premier League season, a stark admission as the Gunners trail champions Liverpool by 15 points.
Speaking ahead of a match against Liverpool at Anfield, Arteta reflected on Arsenal’s decline from 89 points in 2023-24 to a projected maximum of 76 points this season, marking their fifth consecutive trophyless campaign. Despite the setback, Arteta insisted Arsenal were the best team in the UEFA Champions League, citing superior statistics despite their semi-final exit to Paris Saint-Germain on May 7, 2025.
Arsenal’s season has been plagued by injuries, with key players like Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel missing significant time, contributing to 10 draws from winning positions and 17 non-wins in 35 matches. Arteta’s squad, which posted 84 points in 2022-23, struggled with consistency, dropping points against Bournemouth, Fulham, and Everton, unlike Liverpool’s ability to grind out results.
The Gunners’ 12 set-piece goals, the most in the league, and an unbeaten home record couldn’t offset their 39% conversion rate in the final third, per 2024-25 data. Arteta’s decision to prioritize the Champions League, evidenced by rotating five players against Everton in April, paid dividends with a quarter-final win over Real Madrid, but the 4-2 semi-final loss to PSG exposed their lack of a prolific striker.
Arteta praised Liverpool’s consistency under Arne Slot, confirming Arsenal would offer a guard of honour at Anfield, a gesture reflecting their 90% win rate in 2024-25. With a $900 million squad value, Arsenal’s failure to capitalize on Manchester City’s dip—losing only two points less than City’s 91 last season—has fueled fan frustration. Arteta’s focus now shifts to summer transfers, with 70% of analysts predicting a striker signing to bolster their 1.8 goals-per-game average, aiming to reclaim title contention in 2025-26.