Mikel Arteta hasn’t even taken charge of his first match of the new campaign, yet he’s already facing criticism from his own supporters. The Arsenal manager sparked debate during his opening press conference of the season after claiming that the Gunners had earned more Premier League points than any other club over the past three seasons. Many fans were quick to point out that this statement simply isn’t true — Manchester City top that chart, with Arsenal trailing behind.
The remark, intended to highlight Arsenal’s consistency, instead reignited frustration among a section of the fanbase that feels talk is no longer enough. Three straight second-place finishes without a single major trophy have left expectations sky-high. This year, with heavy investment in the squad, many believe Arteta has no margin for error.
Arteta’s words came across as confident, perhaps even defiant, but statistics quickly undermined his claim. Over the past three seasons, City have amassed 251 points, while Arsenal sit on 247. Liverpool are a distant third with 233. For some supporters, the factual inaccuracy was less important than the underlying reality: the Gunners have been close, but “close” still leaves the trophy cabinet empty.
The manager’s “keep digging” analogy, comparing his pursuit of silverware to a miner seeking gold, didn’t land well with everyone. Social media was filled with sarcastic replies, ranging from mock encouragement to sharp reminders that no Premier League title has yet been delivered under his watch. The criticism wasn’t just about one mistaken statistic — it was a symptom of wider impatience.
After coming agonisingly near the summit for multiple seasons, many fans feel Arsenal must finally make the leap from contenders to champions. Anything less, in their eyes, risks this being remembered as an era of admirable effort but unfulfilled potential.
To give Arteta credit, the club has backed him heavily in the transfer market once again. Sporting director Andrea Berta has overseen the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, and prolific striker Viktor Gyökeres. On paper, the additions address key weaknesses and provide the squad depth needed to battle on multiple fronts.
This is not a rebuilding project anymore — it’s a team built to win now. Arsenal boast a mix of established stars, emerging talents, and tactical flexibility that should allow them to compete toe-to-toe with other top challengers. The defensive unit looks more secure, midfield options are plentiful, and up front, Gyökeres offers a new focal point capable of turning narrow draws into vital wins.
Arteta himself has spoken about the positive atmosphere around the squad, describing pre-season as “really productive” and praising the energy and enthusiasm among the players. That optimism, however, comes with the weight of expectation. Supporters know that while attractive football is appreciated, results — specifically trophies — are the ultimate measure of progress.
For many, this campaign feels like a tipping point. The club’s financial outlay, squad quality, and recent near-misses mean patience is wearing thin. If Arsenal end another season empty-handed, calls for change in the dugout could grow louder, regardless of how close they come in the league.
