Even the most loyal of Arsenal fans would need to admit that the 2024/25 season has been a disappointment.
After two seasons of finishing second in the Premier League, this was set to be the campaign when they would finally end their 20-year wait for an English title. There was always the expectancy that the Gunners would pick up the pieces should there be a drop-off from Manchester City.
That drop off would come in 2024/25, but Mikel Arteta’s side still couldn’t take advantage, as Liverpool cruised to the Premier League title. But, overall, what is the takeaway from the season, and what were the low and high points?
Overriding Sense Of Disappointment
It would be hard to argue against this season being an ultimately disappointing one for Arteta’s side. A third straight runners-up finish in the Premier League does suggest that there has been no drop-off, but the quality of their football has been less entertaining, with an over-reliance on set pieces to secure wins.
The skipper secures three points ✊ pic.twitter.com/Npa6jheY9S
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 26, 2025
Arsenal did threaten to achieve the ultimate goal in the Champions League, but instead, their European campaign will be forever remembered for their excellent showings against Real Madrid, which ultimately counted for very little in the grand scheme of things.
It has now been five years without a trophy for the Gunners, and they are yet to win an honour under Arteta since his transformational transition progress got underway following an FA Cup success with a squad that Unai Emery largely put together.
Scary Halloween Period
Looking back on the campaign, it could be argued that Arsenal’s title aspirations were damaged beyond repair across October and November. The Gunners would fail to win in four matches, while Liverpool’s winning run would be maintained over the same period.
That handed the advantage to the Reds, and it was a position that never looked in danger as the season progressed.
A tidy finish from KT 👏
🫡 @kierantierney1 pic.twitter.com/wt5PDtOkdX
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 26, 2025
Winless runs had been something that Arteta had been able to navigate successfully in the previous two seasons, but they were a common trend throughout 2024/25. The Gunners would win just three wins from eleven between the end of February and the start of May, with many, if not all, of Arsenal’s eggs being placed in the Champions League basket.
Player of the Season
Due to Arsenal’s limitations in front of the goal this season, it is little surprise that players in the backline have excelled. David Raya’s excellent start to his Arsenal campaign continued after sharing the Golden Glove Award, while Gabriel and William Saliba were a solid partnership throughout the season.
However, undoubtedly, Arsenal’s player of the season must be Declan Rice. The 2024/25 campaign saw the England international step up in the biggest moments, which were captured after netting twice in the Champions League win over Real Madrid.
💬 “We’re so proud, the way they’ve done it, the way they have overcome adversity throughout the season.”
The boss chats summer plans and Arsenal Women’s Champions League feat in his final post-match interview of the season 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 25, 2025
Only Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka had more assists than Rice in the Premier League, while the midfielder created personal bests in terms of chances created. England and Arsenal’s futures both look brighter with Rice at the heart of the midfield.
Best Moment of the Season
There were some excellent moments for Arsenal throughout the 2024/25 season. Among those include Gabriel’s winner in the North London Derby at Tottenham in September, as well as a stunning 5-1 home win against Manchester City.
The victory over the former champions was their best performance in the Premier League, but it would be hard to argue against their best moment of the season coming in the Champions League tie against Real Madrid.
💬 “To do something like this at this amazing club and put something into the history of the club, it’s incredible. I’m very, very proud to achieve this, so now let’s go for the third one.”
Raya reflects on another big season between the sticks after claiming the Golden Glove👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 25, 2025
In a night that vindicated Arteta’s plans for the club at the Emirates, the Arsenal shocked the pre-tournament Champions League favourites by smashing the Spanish giants 3-0. Declan Rice was the star of the night, with his sensational free-kicks likely to be etched in the memories of Arsenal fans for many years.
A sign of how far the club had come under Arteta was also on display in the return fixture, with the Gunners landing a historic 2-1 win at the Bernabeu following efforts from Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. At that point of the season, the Arsenal dared to dream of a first Champions League honour.
Most Disappointing Moment of the Season
For the highs of the Real Madrid and Manchester City wins, there were also lows in the 2024/25 season for Arteta’s Arsenal. Defeat in the third round of the FA Cup against Manchester United, followed by back-to-back losses in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup against Newcastle, will rank high among their missed opportunities in their bid to end their five-year trophy drought.
Singing all game long once again 🎶
Safe trip home, Gooners 👏 pic.twitter.com/qSWrzuaAZp
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 25, 2025
However, it would be hard to argue against their no-show against PSG in the last four of the Champions League when it comes to their biggest disappointment. The occasion of a first semi-final at the Emirates since 2009 appeared to get to the young squad in April, as they froze against a tactically savvy Parisian outfit.
The tie was quickly put out of reach back in Paris, with Luis Enrique’s side dominating the ball in the 2-1 win, a scoreline that looks closer on paper than it was in reality.
Trust The Process
Arteta has reminded fans to ‘trust the process’ throughout his reign, but that loyalty may begin to run out if the Gunners don’t finally get over the line in 2025/26. Arsenal will need to make a quick start to next season, and all eyes will be on the transfer business that the club completes over the next couple of months.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 25, 2025
A number nine is certain to arrive at the Emirates, as the club can’t find themselves short in the final third for another season. A sign of their issues last term was the fact that Kai Havertz ended the campaign as the club’s top scorer in the league, despite failing to reach double figures.
A new striker will drastically increase Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League, but maintaining their dominant defensive record while remaining an attacking force is the big conundrum that Arteta will face.
