Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sparked laughter and debate in equal measure after cheekily suggesting that his side should already be recognized as back-to-back Premier League champions—at least if titles were awarded based on points earned across the past two seasons.
The Spaniard, speaking ahead of a pivotal week in Arsenal’s campaign, reflected on how his team’s recent domestic efforts have been overshadowed by Liverpool’s clinical title charge this season. Yet, with his trademark calm demeanor and a touch of humor, Arteta playfully reframed the narrative:
“Winning trophies is about being in the right place at the right moment,” Arteta quipped. “Liverpool have won the title with fewer points than we had in the last two seasons. Based on that, we’ve got two Premier League titles,” he joked.
While delivered with a smile, his comments highlight both Arsenal’s impressive consistency in the league and the unforgiving nature of English football, where fine margins separate glory from heartbreak.
Arsenal’s Impressive Points Tally
Arteta’s light-hearted claim isn’t without statistical weight. Last season, Arsenal finished with an outstanding 89 points—five more than Liverpool’s current total of 84, despite the Merseyside giants already being crowned champions with three games to spare.
Even the 2022/23 season shows Arsenal in a favorable light. That year, the Gunners ended with 84 points, a tally that once again eclipses Liverpool’s current title-winning figure. In essence, Arsenal have been producing championship-level campaigns, but unfortunately, they have done so in an era defined by the dominance of both Liverpool and Manchester City.
It echoes a familiar theme in Premier League history: great teams who might have been champions in another era falling just short due to extraordinary competition. For Arsenal fans, this has been bittersweet—immense pride in the club’s progress, tinged with frustration at near misses.
Liverpool’s Ruthless Efficiency
To fully understand the context, one must appreciate the ruthlessness of Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool this season. The Reds sealed the title with weeks to spare, underlining a campaign marked by resilience, depth, and consistency. Unlike Arsenal, whose recent dip in form saw points dropped against sides like Bournemouth, Liverpool managed to secure results even in tight situations.
Arteta’s joke, while humorous, also indirectly praises Liverpool’s ability to win “at the right moment,” as he himself put it. Football is not simply about the number of points; it is about timing, momentum, and handling pressure when it matters most.
Arsenal’s Current Situation
As of early May, Arsenal sit second in the Premier League, 15 points behind Liverpool and narrowly ahead of third-placed Manchester City. Their most recent setback—a disappointing defeat to Bournemouth—was a stark reminder that while progress is clear, consistency at the very top level is still being refined.
Yet, despite the gap, Arteta has reason for optimism. The Gunners’ rise under his stewardship has been undeniable. From inheriting a mid-table side in 2019 to now battling deep into Europe’s biggest competition, Arsenal’s journey is a story of transformation, resilience, and tactical evolution.
The Champions League Dream
If Arsenal’s domestic hopes have faded, European ambitions remain alive. This Wednesday, the Gunners face a season-defining clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final second leg.
Arsenal trail 1-0 on aggregate, but Arteta believes his team has what it takes to overturn the deficit.
“Hopefully we’ll be in the right place at the right time in Paris and earn that right to be in the final,” he said.
It is a moment heavy with historical significance. Arsenal have not reached a Champions League final since 2006, when Arsène Wenger’s side fell 2-1 to Barcelona in Paris. For many fans, the chance to return to that stage is the culmination of nearly two decades of waiting.
A Club on the Rise
Arteta’s Arsenal may not yet have the trophies to match the Invincibles of 2004, but they are steadily building a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young sides. The mix of experienced leaders like Martin Ødegaard and rising stars such as Bukayo Saka has created a squad that balances flair with determination.
Moreover, the Spaniard’s tactical fingerprints are evident. High pressing, fluid build-up play, and defensive resilience have turned Arsenal into genuine contenders. Even without silverware this season, a Champions League final berth would mark a huge milestone in the club’s long-term project.
The Wider European Picture
Should Arsenal manage to overcome PSG, they will face Inter Milan in the final. The Italian giants progressed after an unforgettable 7-6 aggregate victory over Barcelona, a tie that has already been labeled one of the greatest Champions League semi-finals in recent memory.
Inter’s qualification sets the stage for a potentially mouthwatering showdown. Arsenal vs Inter would be a clash of styles, histories, and ambitions—an opportunity for Arteta to etch his name in the club’s folklore.
Beyond the Joke: Arteta’s Real Message
While fans enjoyed Arteta’s cheeky “two Premier Leagues” comment, his message runs deeper. He has been consistent in framing progress positively, even when results do not yield trophies. By reminding the football world of Arsenal’s impressive points tallies, he reinforces the notion that his side is building a foundation for sustained success.
It is also a psychological strategy. By highlighting the fine margins, Arteta alleviates some pressure from his players, reminding them—and supporters—that success is measured not only in silverware but also in progress, consistency, and growth.
Looking Ahead
For now, all eyes remain on Paris. Can Arsenal overturn PSG’s advantage and book a place in the Champions League final? Can Arteta finally deliver the kind of European glory Arsenal have craved for so long?
Regardless of the outcome, the Gunners’ journey under Arteta has been transformative. From mid-table struggles to joking about “two Premier Leagues,” Arsenal have re-emerged as one of football’s most compelling stories.
As Arteta himself might argue, sometimes football isn’t just about trophies—it’s about timing, resilience, and the ability to dream big. And right now, Arsenal fans have every reason to believe that their moment is coming.
