Arsenal's Season on a Knife's Edge

Arsenal's season hangs in the balance as they face crucial matches in the Premier League and Champions League. With Liverpool leading the league, the Gunners' focus is on securing a top-four finish and making a deep run in Europe.

Arsenal's entire season hinges on their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid, with a strong advantage after a 3-0 win in the first leg. Mikel Arteta's team is favored to reach the semi-finals, but the pressure is high as they seek to end their trophy drought.

Introducing... The Arsenal 🥁 pic.twitter.com/sqlfThuJ6Q

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 16, 2025

Arsenal's Premier League title hopes have dwindled, with Liverpool leading the table and pulling ahead under Arne Slot's guidance. Arsenal's 12 draws and two losses in their last seven games have cost them valuable points, making it challenging to catch up with the leaders.

Arsenal's title hopes are fading fast after a 1-1 draw with Brentford, leaving them 13 points behind Liverpool. This result further diminished Arsenal's chances of catching up in the Premier League.

Final touches 🎨 pic.twitter.com/LsKyVahrj8

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 16, 2025

Mikel Arteta prioritized the Champions League by making five changes in the Brentford match, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard among those left out. Arteta acknowledged the importance of the remaining Premier League games but emphasized his focus on Wednesday's match against Real Madrid, saying, “We still have six games to play in the Premier League, which are going to be really important, for sure. But, for now, it's all about Wednesday.”

💬 "At this level, every action matters, every action changes momentum and the way the game is developing. So, be very focused, very determined and go for it."

Mikel Arteta outlines the task ahead tonight 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/rJLGCC870C

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 16, 2025

Arsenal will travel to Madrid in high spirits, but Real Madrid's history of impressive comebacks in the Champions League means Arteta won't breathe easily until the final whistle. Even if the Gunners advance, they'll likely face strong opponents like Paris Saint-Germain or Barcelona in the semi-finals.

Arsenal risks ending the season without major silverware for a fifth straight season despite progress under Mikel Arteta. Their hold on second place in the Premier League is also uncertain, with Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United closing in. Arteta acknowledged the distance to Liverpool, saying, “It is difficult because obviously there are a lot of reasons why we are with that distance (to Liverpool in the Premier League) and the amount of things that we have to deal with and still we are where we but yeah, we want to be higher, that's for sure.”

Arsenal are likely to secure a Champions League spot for next season despite recent stumbles. However, dropping below second place would hurt their pride and challenge the perception of progress toward their first Premier League title since 2004. Mikel Arteta will focus on the current season while planning to strengthen the team for 2025/26. The Gunners have a chance to make history in Europe, but falling short could lead to a disappointing season's end.