Last updated on May 8, 2025
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Five years without a trophy is a glaring gap for a club of Arsenal’s stature.
Image credit: ESPN FC
In a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League semi-final showdown in Paris, Arsenal’s dreams of European glory came crashing down yet again.
Despite a valiant performance, Mikel Arteta’s side was edged out 2-1 by a resurgent Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Parc des Princes, continuing a worrying trend of near-misses and semi-final heartbreaks for the North London club.
A Familiar Story for Arsenal Fans
Since lifting the FA Cup in 2020, Arteta’s reign has seen significant promise, investment, and tactical evolution—but little to show for it in terms of trophies.
The loss to PSG now marks Arsenal’s fourth semi-final exit in recent years, adding to previous disappointments in the Europa League and domestic cup competitions.
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Arteta had boldly declared that his team came to Paris “to make history.” But history had other plans.
Instead, it was PSG—led by manager Luis Enrique and inspired performances from Gianluigi Donnarumma, Fabian Ruiz, and Achraf Hakimi—who booked their place in the final against Inter Milan in Munich.
The Clock is Ticking on Arteta
There’s no suggestion that Arteta’s job is immediately at risk—his project still enjoys significant backing from both the board and the fans.
However, five years without a trophy is a glaring gap for a club of Arsenal’s stature.
The question now looming over Arteta isn’t about progress, but about proof. Can he finally make Arsenal winners?
Top players like Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and emerging talent Myles Lewis-Skelly form the backbone of a formidable squad.
But as the saying goes, top-class teams are defined not just by potential—but by their ability to lift silverware.
Where It Went Wrong
Despite dominating large portions of the match, Arsenal couldn’t find the net when it mattered most.
PSG’s goalkeeper Donnarumma turned in another world-class performance, frustrating Arsenal with crucial saves from Martinelli and Ødegaard.
Moreover, Arsenal paid the price for individual errors and strategic oversights.
Thomas Partey’s misjudged header gifted Ruiz PSG’s opener, while his later turnover in possession led to Hakimi’s decisive goal.
The Gunners’ inability to sign a reliable striker last summer was another fatal flaw—one that’s been discussed since the start of the season.
As Matthew Upson, former Arsenal defender, observed: “When PSG attack, you feel they’ll score. Arsenal lack that certainty.”
That lack of cutting edge remains Arsenal’s Achilles heel.
Excuses No Longer Enough
Arteta’s post-match argument—suggesting Arsenal would have won Premier League titles based on their points tallies in previous seasons—rang hollow.
While technically accurate, it ignored the crucial point: Arsenal have failed to outperform their contemporaries, including Manchester City and now Liverpool when it truly counts.
Fine margins, yes. But elite football is defined by those very margins—and Arsenal continues to fall just short.
Declan Rice: “We’re All Desperate for It”
Midfield general Declan Rice captured the mood after the match: “We want to win trophies. We want to be at the pinnacle. We’ve been really close and it’s not good enough. Arsenal deserves more.”
His words reflect not only the pain of the players but the expectation of the fans and the club’s ambition.
Close isn’t close enough anymore.
Looking Ahead: Lessons and Urgency
If Arsenal are to avoid another year of “almosts,” key issues must be addressed:
- A Proven Striker: The absence of a clinical forward was glaring.
- More Composure in Big Games: Moments of panic and poor decision-making undermined good overall performances.
- Tactical Sharpness in Crunch Moments: Arteta’s in-game adjustments must be sharper when facing top-tier opposition.
The Champions League semi-final loss will sting, but it also provides a critical lens into where Arsenal must improve.
With another season of investment likely, next year may be Arteta’s best—and last—chance to prove he can transform potential into tangible triumph.
