Ahead of the 2024–25 season, Mikel Arteta set some lofty ambitions for his Arsenal side. “We want to improve in everything,” he declared. “Attacking metrics, defensive metrics, restarts, set piece.”
Arsenal suffered a decline in almost every metric. Scoring fewer goals while conceding more, the Gunners were 15 points adrift of the tally they had set in the campaign prior. Arteta’s side did, however, manage to match their second-place league position—a level of objectively impressive consistency which opposition fans have nevertheless taken great pleasure in mocking.
If Arsenal hope to break their run of forever finishing as the bridesmaid, there are some clear areas of concern to address. What better time to broach these issues than during preseason?
