Liverpool clinched their 20th Premier League title on Sunday with a 5-1 win over Spurs at Anfield. The reds have won the league with five games to spare in what is a damning verdict of how the season has gone for their rivals, including Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side offered little resistance to Liverpool’s title charge. A tepid way to end what was an expectant Premier League season among the fan base.
There will be hard questions asked during the summer about what went wrong in the 2024/25 EPL season for Arsenal. Mikel will point to a myriad of factors including injuries and officiating decisions that have cost Arsenal crucial points this season. However, 13 draws are way too much for a side competing for the title. Many fans have attributed a poor summer transfer season to the underwhelming campaign. A thorough autopsy of the season is necessary to avoid further decline in the next season.
However, Arsenal have found solace in Europe’s premier competition, the UEFA Champions League. A 5-1 drubbing of defending champions Real Madrid has given Arsenal real hope of doing something special in this competition. A first Champions League semi-final in 16 years beckons tonight against the Parisiens.
PSG have grown by leaps and bounds since their 2-0 defeat at the Emirates in October. Many pundits consider them the best team remaining in the competition by virtue of their silky football. However, Arsenal will fancy their chances as you should when you knock out Real Madrid.
Tactically, It’s a game of different styles. PSG like to dominate the ball and have quick forwards who can cause so much havoc when they have space to run into. Arsenal on the other hand Physically dominate many of their opponents and have a rock-solid defence that has propelled them this far. The suspension of Thomas Partey for this first leg will cause Mikel Arteta some selection headaches as he ponders whether to drop Merino back to midfield or have him continue upfront.
This was Mikel Arteta’s message ahead of the crunch game tonight. Arteta on Emirates crowd: “More (than Madrid), I’m not exaggerating. Guys, bring your boots, your shorts and t-shirt and let’s play every ball together. You want to do something special? That place has to be something special. Something we haven’t seen.” The message is clear, make the Emirates as loud and hostile as ever.
Arsenal will draw positives from the fact that they have never lost to PSG in the Champions League. Two draws and a win against the Parisiens. Despite all the injuries, all the suspensions, all the poor league performances, Arsenal have the chance to make their season memorable.
