The minutes ticked down on May 19, 2024 as Arsenal overturned a one goal deficit against Everton on the final day of the Premier League season. Kai Havertz scored the winner, a forlorn figure realising his last strike of the season was more academic than historic. Manchester City had defeated West Ham United and they were Premier League champions for the fourth year running.
Mikel Arteta pushed his mentor to the final day, yet there was nothing to show for it. Another season coming up short to the juggernaut they aspire to be. Different circumstances compared to the year prior, the sullen emotions similar.
Growth shown over 38 games, but now the pressure to get over the line amplified. How would Arsenal handle their next season? What reinforcements would they make? Who would step up? Who would falter? Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool a thing of the past, time to usurp Man City.
Fast forward a year, great news! They finished one place above Man City. Bad news, Man City finished third. Second place once again, this time to Arne Slot's incarnation of the Reds. The Dutchman's first season in the Premier League and he beat the perceived heir apparent to the title.
A season sprinkled with magical moments but no silverware to commemorate a campaign. A theme all too familiar for Arsenal and their fans. Doesn't help Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, dreaded rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur all lifted trophies this year.
Highlights include defeating Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals both home and away. Lowlights? Their two performances against Paris Saint-Germain the following stage, any of the 14 draws they suffered in the league. Not to mention their unacceptable showings against Newcastle United and Manchester United in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup respectively.
As Steve McManaman said after their victory at the Santiago Bernabéu, the results won't matter if they don't win the Champions League. Context being, yes, of course celebrate one of the club's biggest results in Europe, but don't correlate a quarterfinals win to realising success you've never tasted. They had to get over the line, and they didn't.
Injuries underlined their struggles, sure, but a lack of ambition in the transfer window put the hierarchy in the spotlight once again. Time and patience, seemingly theoretical constructs regarding Arteta's tenure, are running out.
Next season is make or break.
Here's all-encompassing review of Arsenal's 2024–25 season.
