They are becoming good at this.
It has been twenty-two years since Arsenal Football Club last won the Premier League. There have been sparks in recent years, as the quality of the squad has improved and the direction of the club has become more tactical and strategic. However, it seems that over the last three seasons, second place has been their highest finish in the league.
At the start of the year, we wrote an article about Mikel Arteta not being able to make any more excuses if he did not win the league, and this time that still holds, as there is little left for him to justify falling short.
Arsenal have spent nearly £1.5 billion on players over the last six seasons under Arteta, and he has reshaped the squad by moving on underperforming players and bringing in more attacking, cohesive talent within the league. These players have the character to push Arsenal towards major honours. Arteta has been backed by the board and supported by the fans, urging them to trust the process.
For many supporters, however, that process now feels never-ending. While he has managed to keep fans on side in the past, this time there may be little patience left if the league title slips away. Responsibility may also lie with the players, as recent performances over the last eight games have been lacklustre, lacking the conviction expected of genuine title contenders.
Liverpool F.C. and Manchester City F.C. have not been at their best this season, with both sides struggling to take control of the title race. When Arsenal went top of the table in October, many believed they had one hand on the title, and even some fans felt it was already secured with months still to play.
However, that optimism has faded in recent months, with some supporters turning on Arteta despite the team holding a nine-point lead over Manchester City at one stage. The situation has now shifted, and Manchester City could overtake Arsenal if they beat Burnley this week, putting themselves in a strong position to reclaim the title.
If Arsenal do not win the league, serious questions will need to be asked about Arteta’s future, as it would suggest he may not be the manager to deliver long term success, whether domestically or in Europe.
Similarly, certain players, such as Martin Ødegaard, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, may come under scrutiny, with doubts raised about whether they are capable of consistently performing at the level required for a club of Arsenal’s stature.
