Ryan Ohanron
In May, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stirred up opinions, especially among non-Arsenal supporters.
“Winning a trophy requires being in the right place at the right time,” he mentioned. “Liverpool secured the title with fewer points than in their last two seasons. The points difference for the last two Premier League champions is surprisingly close.”
He had a point and was also mistaken simultaneously. Liverpool clinched the league with 84 points in the 2024-25 season, the same tally Arsenal achieved when they finished second in the 2022-23 season. It’s worth noting Liverpool’s points came through a strong finish, having effectively cemented their later matches.
At the same time, Liverpool’s title was somewhat facilitated by the lack of competition at their level. Many Liverpool fans argue that their second-place finishes in 2018-19 and 2021-22 were stronger than the team that recently topped the table, having faced the formidable Manchester City. The same applies for Arsenal in 2023-34; they racked up over 20 points more than the average Premier League winning team but were still chasing City.
The takeaway mirrors Arteta’s philosophy at Arsenal: patience is key. Consistent performance over the years offers a chance at winning silverware.
After years of struggle, Arsenal finished strong for a second consecutive season, committing to younger talents while retaining their manager. They’ve accumulated a remarkable 247 points during that period—just four shy of Manchester City and 14 clear of Liverpool. Despite this strong showing, they remain trophy-less, distinguishing them as the only team in the top two without winning at least one trophy.
Some critics speculate about a psychological barrier that allows Arsenal to outperform other teams yet fall short against elite rivals, but this interpretation often ignores the real impact of slight variations in form and luck. If Arsenal maintains their performance, a Premier League title may soon be within reach.
However, the current landscape suggests urgency for the Gunners. Recent signings indicate a shift in strategy; they are keen to win now rather than later.
Building the Current Arsenal Squad
If everyone was fit last season, Arsenal’s ideal starting lineup would feature Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and Martin Ødegaard in midfield, flanked by Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka up front.
The specifics might vary, but the age of these players at the time of joining the club is noteworthy:
Calafiori: 22
Magalhães: 22
Saliba: 18
White: 23
Rice: 24
Merino: 28
Ødegaard: 22
Martinelli: 18
Havertz: 24
Average age for these signings: 21.9.
Merino, the oldest at 28, cost €35 million—a reasonable fee for Arsenal’s stature. This mix of older and younger players has been driven by strategic investments focused on long-term growth and tactical needs.
Arsenal’s resurgence has been characterized by assembling a competitive squad through carefully tailored signings. They prioritized recruits with potential for growth and secured a long-time youth academy player, Bukayo Saka, thus avoiding potential costs of over $100 million.
This may sound simple, yet few clubs effectively commit to this kind of focused approach over multiple seasons. Arsenal’s performance in recent years showcases their rebuilding strategy.
In the 2021-22 season, they were the youngest team in the Premier League, averaging 24.4 years, finishing with 69 points. The following season, slightly older at 24.7, they improved to 84 points, and in 2023-24, with a median age of 25.0, they further increased to 89 points.
Arsenal has consistently developed a cohesive team. Meanwhile, Liverpool experienced the loss of their transformative manager, Jurgen Klopp, while Manchester City glimpsed decline with an aging roster. However, Arsenal also faced their challenges; their team’s average age rose to 25.8 with a drop in performance to 74 points.
This raises questions about relying solely on young talent for league success.
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Is Zubimendi Arsenal’s answer for their back four?
GAB Marcotti and Don Hutchison discuss Arsenal’s recent signing Martín Zubimendi.
Arsenal’s main challenge is that key players logged significantly fewer minutes than before. Saliba’s playing time dropped from 100% to 88.9%, Rice from 94.3% to 82.6%, Ødegaard from 90.4% to 68%, and Saka from 85.4% to 50.6%.
Arteta’s current tactics show tactical limitations; he isn’t taking enough risks during a 38-game season aimed at maximizing points. As per Gradient Sports’ data, only Gabriel Martinelli is among the top 100 fastest players in the Premier League, which reflects minor margins affecting season outcomes. The main factor behind Arsenal’s 14-point drop from the previous season is the absence of their star players.
Do Significant Signings Pay Off in the Premier League?
These are just a few targets on their radar, including a bid for 21-year-old center-back Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia and negotiations with Chelsea for 23-year-old winger Noni Maduke.
Signing all these players is unlikely but serves as an illustrative example. These six prospective signings would average 25.8 years, nearly four years older than Arsenal’s current first-choice players.
The club seems to be undergoing a significant change in their team-building strategy, possibly fueled by new sporting director Andrea Berta from Atletico Madrid, or perhaps frustration from repeated second-place finishes. But will this approach yield results?
Much depends on the individual players themselves. Norgaard has quietly excelled in the league since Brentford’s promotion in 2020, demonstrating remarkable passing skills and aerial prowess.
Zubimendi might also enhance the squad, although concerns arise regarding how effectively he will fit into Arteta’s system, given Liverpool’s interest reflects his potential value.
Gyökeres raised his expected goals and assists significantly during his time at the Championship, showing promising potential, and his speed could greatly benefit Arsenal.
Nonetheless, 39 of his goals in the Portuguese League last season came against weaker opponents; hence, concerns about his performance against stronger teams remain valid.
Looking beyond individual assessments, it’s essential to evaluate the broader implications of these signings. How often do such acquisitions lead to silverware?
Norgaard could serve as a useful addition to provide depth, while significant investments in Zubimendi and Gyökeres come with heightened expectations for starting roles. The transfer fees could challenge Arsenal’s future financial flexibility.
A study of previous Champions League finalists shows that players typically joined at an average age of 23.8, emphasizing the trend to recruit younger talent for success. Last year, successful teams showcased similar trends in player acquisition. This raises questions on how effectively older and more established players can contribute to title-winning squads.
While it’s evident that veteran players can command higher fees, clubs often require younger talent to balance both immediate contributions and future potential.
This flexible approach becomes increasingly vital for a club like Arsenal, which requires room for major contracts for core players like Saliba and Saka, whose deals are expiring soon.
Ultimately, the objective remains clear—trophies matter. Although Arsenal feels compelled to capitalize on their investment after several frustrating near-misses, rushing the process may limit their window for future successes.
In conclusion, timing plays a crucial role in achieving victory, and Mikel Arteta certainly understands this concept as he leads Arsenal.
Fan Take: The developments at Arsenal underscore a pivotal moment for the club, as their aggressive strategy signals a desire to return to trophy contention. Fans should pay close attention, as this shift could redefine the competitive landscape in English soccer and beyond, potentially paving the way for a resurgence in fortunes.
