Bride or Bridesmaid? Why Arsenal Must Win the Premier League This Season
October 12th, 2025
Arsenal didn't fall apart last season—they faded. Quietly, frustratingly, and inevitably.
After a strong start that kept them close to Liverpool at the top, the cracks began to show in January. The football lost its spark. Attacks became one-dimensional. And without a recognised striker to lead the line, Arsenal grew increasingly predictable.
When Kai Havertz, repurposed as a makeshift No.9, went down injured, the lack of depth was brutally exposed. Mikel Arteta was forced to turn to Mikel Merino, a midfielder by trade, to fill the void up front. The system stuttered. The link play broke down. Arsenal still created chances but without a natural finisher, they simply couldn't convert.
As the season dragged on, expansive possession play gave way to set-piece dependency. Corners and free-kicks became Arsenal's primary route to goal. Effective? Sometimes. Sustainable? Not in a title race.
By March, the writing was on the wall. Arsenal's challenge didn't end in chaos—it fizzled out through fatigue, lack of firepower, and a squad stretched too thin.
Once again, a season of promise ended without a prize.
But this summer? Arsenal are making moves with intent.
Viktor Gyökeres is now an Arsenal player. The long pursuit is over, and with it comes a real striker—a proper No.9 who brings power, presence, and goals. It's a statement signing. One that says Arsenal are done improvising in the final third.
Yet the ambition might not stop there.
The Gunners are still heavily linked with Cristian Mosquera, a highly rated young centre-back who could be the long-term heir to Saliba or offer cover in a season where squad depth will be vital. And in attack, eyes are on Eberechi Eze, a player who could completely reshape the left side of Arsenal's frontline with his dribbling, flair, and unpredictability.
Could these two signings complete the puzzle? Could they turn Arsenal from contenders into favourites?
What's certain is this: the pressure is on. Arteta has been praised for transforming the club, and rightly so. But this isn't a project anymore — it's a team that must win and now.
With City still rebuilding, Liverpool reloaded, and Chelsea spending wildly again, this might be Arsenal's final shot at glory before expectations turn into scrutiny.
Tactical Additions That Fill the Gaps
The summer recruitment has been smart, strategic, and serious. Martín Zubimendi replaces the outgoing Thomas Partey, offering greater control and consistency in midfield along with Champions League experience and composure in the pivot. Christian Nørgaard arrives from Brentford as the kind of reliable, battle-hardened squad player every title-winning side needs, disciplined, competitive, and capable of chipping in with goals. In goal, Kepa Arrizabalaga adds proven Premier League experience and proven depth, pushing David Raya while offering Arteta a goalkeeper who's comfortable in high-pressure, possession-based systems. Out wide, Bukayo Saka remains a guaranteed starter on the right, but the left side needs revitalising and that's where Eberechi Eze, or the newly signed Noni Madueke, could become game-changers. Both bring flair, directness, and unpredictability that Arsenal's attack has sorely lacked. And of course, the signing of Viktor Gyökeres changes everything. Finally, Arsenal have a true No.9 — a physical, relentless striker who can lead the press, bully defenders, and convert chances. No more improvisation. No more false nines. This is what title-winning teams are built on.
Depth. Balance. Mentality.
One of Arsenal's biggest issues in past seasons was what happened when key players dropped off. Lose Saliba? Collapse. Martinelli loses form? No alternative. A flat midfield? No one to shake it up.
That's changed.
This squad now has real depth. Tactical flexibility. Players who can come in without compromising the system. Whether it's Nørgaard stepping in for Rice, Madueke rotating with Saka, or Mosquera in alongside Saliba or Gabriel, this team can finally weather storms without falling apart.
And perhaps most importantly: they're no longer starry-eyed.
This is a squad that's been there. They know what 90 points looks like. They've endured the chase, but are they now ready to take control, Gabriel seems to think so.
Why It Has to Happen Now
Let's not sugarcoat it. Arteta has had time. He's had money. He's had control. He's built a team in his exact image. And he's come agonisingly close but ultimately, he hasn't delivered the big one.
If Arsenal fail to win a major trophy this season, the questions won't just come from rivals — they'll come from inside. The fans. The board. The players.
There's no shame in losing to Manchester City or Liverpool, but after five years and hundreds of millions, coming second again won't cut it. This squad is mature. This structure is elite. This moment is theirs if they're good enough to take it.
Final Word: From Project to Powerhouse?
The excuses are gone. The process has been trusted. Now it's about outcomes.
This team doesn't need more "progress." It needs silverware. With the striker problem finally solved, potential reinforcements in defence and attack, and the psychological scars of last season now a weapon, Arsenal are no longer chasing — they are ready to compete.
Is this the year Arsenal finally walk down the aisle with the Premier League? Or will they be left at the altar one last time with Arteta paying the price?
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