New Delhi: Can this finally be Arsenal’s year in the Premier League? As the new season beckons, Arsenal fans will be wondering if they can bring an end to their 21-year-long title drought this time around. Having finished second for the last three seasons, Arsenal have been that ‘nearly team’ which has failed to translate progress into trophies.
Under Arteta, Arsenal have transformed into arguably one of the best teams in Europe, but have often lacked that cutting edge to go the distance in the Premier League. After close battles over the previous two seasons, Arsenal barely produced any threat in the title race last season as Liverpool went on to clinch the trophy rather comfortably in Arne Slot’s debut season at the club.
Arsenal were hit with unfortunate injuries at crucial intervals during their campaign, which resulted in their downfall. Arteta’s men also managed to forge a stunning run in the Champions League, but bowed out from the semi-finals after being outclassed by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain, finishing trophyless for another season.
Arsenal’s last and only piece of silverware under current manager Arteta came during his first season when they won the FA Cup in 2020. The Spaniard has now been in charge of the club for six seasons and has nothing to show for the progress. The lack of trophies under Arteta has become a major concern for the fans, as questions continue to be asked around Arsenal’s quality and their ability to go the distance.
Can Viktor Gyokeres be the final piece of the puzzle?
Arsenal have one of the best defenses in the Premier League with the centre back partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes dominating the league, however, they have been far from clinical in the attack. Arsenal created 36 shots worth at least 0.33 expected goals last season and were 11th among the teams with best xG shots in the league, highlighting their struggles upfront.
However, Arsenal have once again spent extravagantly this summer in a bid to plug the gaps from last season and add reinforcements as they push to clinch glory after coming agonisingly close to achieving in the last three seasons. They have spent big to strengthen their attack with the additions of Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke.
Swedish striker Gyokeres is arguably their most prized acquisition ahead of the new season, as he is expected to solve Arsenal’s woes upfront and be the long-term striker solution that they have been seeking over the last few seasons. Gyokeres enjoyed a sensational campaign for Sporting Lisbon last season, smashing 43 goals across all competitions, including 33 in the Portuguese league.
While his goal-scoring heroics made him one of the most sought-after strikers in the market, there remain concerns about whether he can replicate the same in the Premier League. Several forwards have struggled in the Premier League after joining from top teams with a great reputation from leagues in Portugal, Germany and Italy, and there are similar doubts about Gyokeres despite his goal-scoring ability.
Gyokeres will have to shoulder the majority of goal-scoring responsibilities in the upcoming season if Arsenal are to fancy their chances. The key for him will be to adapt as quickly as possible to the physicality and the pace of the Premier League. It also remains to be seen how he fits into Arteta’s system and Arsenal, and if he can be the final piece of the jigsaw to power the club to Premier League glory.
What to expect from Arsenal in Premier League 2025-26?
For Arsenal, it has been a case of what ifs for the last three seasons as they have come within touching distance of clinching glory. However, they have lacked the quality and the perseverance required to go the distance in the league. Arsenal are expected to continue their impressive run this season, but will have to produce far better numbers in attack to stand a chance of beating the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race.
Arsenal will also have to create more high-quality chances regularly and hope the likes of Gyokeres and Kai Havertz send them into the back of the net consistently. Gyokeres will need to have a big debut season for Arsenal to realise their dream of Premier League glory, and it will be up to Arteta how he unleashes the striker in the upcoming season.