Arsenal entered the 2025 season with a healthy amount of momentum and optimism – but also with the weight of expectation on their shoulders! After they very narrowly missed out on scooping the title last season, Mikel Arteta’s side came into this year’s Premier League determined to show that their solid performance last season was no fluke.
So far, it’s been a season that has lived up to the drama. The Gunners have produced some of the best football in the league this year and managed to bring a number of new, younger faces onto the field successfully – but there’s still the one big question, and that’s whether Arsenal can finally lift the trophies they’ve been after for so long.
A Squad That’s Growing in Maturity
The most visible difference between Arsenal this year and previous seasons, in our opinion, is the side’s maturity. In the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns, for example, Arsenal managed to pull off slick attacks with its youthful player base – but they sometimes weren’t able to keep their composure in the high-pressure moments of the game, costing goals – and morale.
Now, with another year under their belts, players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and William Saliba are looking more composed than ever, and, better yet, Saka has transformed from a bright academy player to become one of the best wingers in Europe.
Ødegaard, as captain, has also done a fantastic job of leading the club. He dictates the playing style and sets the tempo without coming across as overly bossy.
Arteta’s Tactical Evolution
Mikel Arteta probably doesn’t get anywhere near enough credit for what he’s done for the club’s evolution – and while a lot of critics once accused him of being way too rigid and used to using Pep Guardiola-inspired patterns, this season, he’s really shown that Arsenal can adapt.
Sure, the Gunners can dominate possession – but they can also sit back, make the pressure work for them – and hit opponents with devastating counter attacks.
The team’s defensive abilities have also been impressive. Saliba and Gabriel at centre-back are now one of the most reliable partnerships in the league, and this is before considering that Declan Rice is there to offer muscle and intelligence in midfield.
As a result, Arsenal are looking a lot less vulnerable when pressed – and it’s this reason that has many pundits believing the Gunners might not just challenge for the league this season – but also other European titles.
The Dream of the Double
For Arsenal fans, there’s a slight possibility of the infamous double… lifting perhaps both the Premier League and the FA Cup. If they managed to do so, it would make for a celebration not seen for decades – although, of course, such dreams come with a healthy degree of scepticism.
Manchester City remain the league’s most capable side to many pundits, and Liverpool are also being revitalised – with other rivals never far behind. However, Arsenal’s performances suggest the gap is smaller than ever – and if injuries are kind, there’s every reason to believe Arteta’s men could push until the very end.
And, it’s not just fans who are considering the possibility. Among the betting community, there’s growing interest about Arsenal’s odds of doing the double. Casinos operated by Infiniza have become one of the most popular destinations for savvy Arsenal supporters looking to place such bets, too, thanks to the competitive football betting odds available.
Players to Watch
Every successful team needs its stars, and Arsenal’s season has already included quite a few. Bukayo Saka, the England international, continues to be the heartbeat of Arsenal’s attack, and his combination of pace, skills, and composure in front of goal makes him almost unplayable at times.
Declan Rice has been another key player, and the summer signing has more than justified his price tag. His defensive work, pressing, and passing range give Arsenal the abilities they once lacked in midfield – and then, there’s William Saliba who is calm under pressure, powerful in the air, and intelligent in his positioning.
Of course, you can’t forget Gabriel Jesus – and sure, while injuries have occasionally disrupted his momentum, when he’s “in form”, his movement abilities add another dimension to Arsenal’s frontline – which, when combined with the other superstars this season, make Arsenal a really tough team to beat.
Challenges That Remain
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing, and a few issues are still in the back of fans’ minds. Most importantly is how the squad performs under the pressure. While the first XI is strong, Arsenal still need every backup option firing if they are going to be able to cope with injuries, suspensions, and the non-stop fixture list.
And, as we saw in previous seasons, if injuries take out Saka, Saliba, or Rice, it could prove to be a disaster for the Gunners – so everyone will have their eyes on “core players” like this, as any departure could spell disaster.
How big of a blow is Bukayo Saka’s injury for Arsenal? 🤕 pic.twitter.com/8CDwIM0wus
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 4, 2023
Looking Ahead
So where does this leave Arsenal as the season progresses? The league table is tight, the competition is already nail-biting, and the fixtures – well, they’re relentless. However, for the first time in a long time, Arsenal fans have every reason to believe – and if they are able to carry their current momentum forward, if their injuries are limited, and if Arteta’s team show the mental strength required, the trophy could very well find its way back to North London!
Of course, the dream of the double may sound a bit ambitious right now – but football is full of surprises, don’t forget – and, as it stands right now, Arsenal look better positioned to deliver one of these surprises than ever before!