Arsenal news: Opinion – Fan scorecard on 2024-25 season

Season rating: 6/10. Arsenal came into the campaign as one of the favourites to finally bring the title to north London, but it is hard to argue that they ever looked like mounting a solid challenge. The team deserve immense credit for finishing second despite so many serious injuries to key players, as well as maintaining an unbeaten record against the top six. That aside, too many points squandered from winning positions can’t be blamed on injuries, and will need to be an area for focus next season.

Happy with your manager? Mikel Arteta has had a challenging season, but his decision to move Mikel Merino into the attack was a stroke of genius. However, Arsenal’s record in the domestic cups has been poor for the past three seasons. Yes, there were injuries, but Arteta has grown too comfortable playing his best XI every week without accounting for rest during a busy schedule. There is a knack to winning knockout football that perhaps he hasn’t quite got to grips with yet.

Unsung hero: Jakub Kiwior. The injury to Gabriel just before the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid left Kiwior – who had played only sporadically this season – with the daunting prospect of facing Kylian Mbappe. He more than stepped up to the challenge across both legs, and has been a quiet but solid presence in defence when Arsenal needed him.

Player you would most like to sign: For what feels like the third summer in a row, Arsenal are crying out for a striker. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak would be a perfect addition to the side, and would bring out the best from Martin Odegaard, who has struggled this season. However, it is hard to see Newcastle letting him go at a price Arsenal would consider, given their need to strengthen in other areas too.

Right now, my overriding emotion from the season is: Frustration! Arsenal have spent the past few seasons climbing back to the top of the Premier League, and with Manchester City experiencing a tough campaign this felt like the perfect time for the Gunners. There is an overwhelming sense of ‘shoulda, woulda, coulda’, and that this team have fallen just short again.

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Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast