Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has opened up on what he believes were the major factors behind the club’s inability to clinch the 2024/2025 English Premier League title, attributing their faltering title challenge to persistent injuries and a series of red cards that disrupted the team’s momentum.
Speaking in an interview shared by respected football journalist Fabrizio Romano via his X handle on Sunday, Arteta didn’t mince words when asked to explain where things went wrong for the Gunners this season. “Red cards and injuries – for sure,” the Spanish tactician responded bluntly. He went further in an interview with Sky Sports, stating, “Would we be much closer? For me, the answer is, without question, yes.”
Arsenal, who are currently second on the log with 68 points, have endured a campaign filled with both promise and frustration. Despite showing strong form at various stages of the season, untimely injuries to key players coupled with disciplinary lapses have proven costly. The club’s struggles have been compounded by crucial defeats, including a run of losses to Newcastle United, who have beaten the North London side three times across different competitions this season.
As the race for UEFA Champions League qualification intensifies, Arsenal are now left with little margin for error. They are set to host Newcastle once again at the Emirates Stadium in what has become a must-win fixture if they are to cement their place among Europe’s elite next season.
While the title appears to have slipped beyond reach, with Liverpool already crowned champions on 83 points, Arteta and his side will be aiming to finish the season strongly and secure their European ambitions, even as they reflect on a campaign that might have ended differently had fortune favoured them in key moments.
