By Faraz 
Champions League
As Arsenal navigates through the early stages of the 2024-25 season, the club’s ambitions of reasserting themselves among Europe’s elite are being met with growing frustration. Despite significant investment in the squad and an exciting brand of football under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have encountered a series of setbacks in both the Premier League and their Champions League campaign, leading to questions about the club’s ability to fulfill its potential.
A Rollercoaster Start to the Season
Arsenal’s 2024-25 season began with a sense of optimism. The team finished a strong second place in the Premier League last season, narrowly missing out on the title to Manchester City. Arteta’s meticulous approach and tactical brilliance seemed to be paying off, and the addition of players like Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber further strengthened their squad.
However, as the season has unfolded, Arsenal have found themselves embroiled in a frustrating pattern of inconsistent performances. While the Gunners have continued to display flashes of brilliance — especially in attack — their inability to sustain momentum has been apparent, particularly in matches against top-tier teams.
One of the most telling aspects of Arsenal’s current woes has been their difficulty in closing out games. In both domestic and European competitions, they have often found themselves either losing points from winning positions or failing to convert dominance into goals. Arteta’s philosophy of pressing high and playing a possession-based game has made them a formidable side on their day, but moments of defensive fragility and lapses in concentration have cost them dearly.
Frustration in the Champions League
The Champions League has been a particularly bitter pill for Arsenal. After a six-year absence, the Gunners were eager to re-establish themselves on Europe’s biggest stage. Their group was relatively favorable, but after a few stumbles, their hopes of topping the group or securing an easy passage to the knockout stages are now in jeopardy.
A high-profile draw against PSV Eindhoven and an embarrassing loss to Galatasaray highlighted the issues Arsenal have faced in adapting to the heightened intensity of Champions League football. While there is no doubting the quality of their squad, Arteta has faced criticism for his tactical choices — especially in games where Arsenal were expected to dominate. The Gunners’ struggles to break down well-organized defenses and cope with quick transitions have been exploited by their opponents.
Perhaps most frustrating for Arsenal fans has been their inability to deliver in key moments. In the Champions League, where margins are razor-thin, one slip-up can be the difference between progressing and being eliminated at the group stage. Arsenal’s inability to win crucial matches has left Arteta with a mounting pressure to turn things around quickly. Despite having the talent to go deep into the competition, the team’s inconsistency has cast doubts on their long-term prospects.
The Debate: Is Mikel Arteta the Right Man?
In any period of frustration, the conversation inevitably turns to the manager. Arteta has enjoyed significant backing from the board and the fans, largely due to his transformative work over the past few seasons. However, some are now beginning to question whether his tactical approach is suited to the Champions League, or whether the squad he has assembled is balanced enough to compete with Europe’s best.
Arteta’s focus on possession-based football and high pressing has brought about significant improvements, but these principles are not always adaptable to the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of the Champions League. Against the best European sides, Arsenal’s tendency to be caught out on the counter-attack and their vulnerability in set-piece situations have been repeatedly exposed.
However, it’s important to note that Arteta’s long-term project is still in its early stages. Many believe that the growing pains Arsenal are experiencing now — in both the Premier League and Champions League — will eventually lead to sustained success, particularly if Arteta is given more time to refine his squad and system.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Arsenal?
Despite the frustration, there are reasons for Arsenal fans to remain hopeful. The club is still in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League, and with key players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Ødegaard in superb form, there’s no reason to believe that their fortunes won’t change.
Also Read:>Sporting ending was written like this – Amorim
Basheer