Mikel Arteta is entering one of the most important seasons of his career. Arsenal have been close to winning the Premier League for the past two years but fell short at the final stage. Many fans and pundits believe this is the season where the Gunners must finally deliver. And when it comes to the biggest test, Liverpool is right at the center of it.
Arteta has worked hard to build a strong squad, and he has also been backed in the transfer market. Arsenal now have depth, balance, and experience across the team. Because of this, people believe Arteta has no excuse this time, especially when his side faces Liverpool.
Arsenal’s Pain of Near Misses
For two seasons in a row, Arsenal have pushed Manchester City all the way in the title race. But both times, they came short.
- In 2022/23, Arsenal led the table for most of the season. However, they lost crucial points against Liverpool, West Ham, and Southampton in the final months. That opened the door for City to take over and win the title.
- In 2023/24, Arsenal stayed consistent and fought until the final day. But once again, City’s experience and winning mentality proved too much.
Those near misses hurt the fans. But they also showed that Arsenal are no longer the young and inexperienced side of old. They are now genuine challengers.
This is why many believe excuses will not be accepted anymore. Arsenal have had the heartbreak. They have had the lessons. Now, it is time to show maturity and strength, especially in big games like those against Liverpool.
Why Liverpool Is the Real Test
Liverpool have always been a tough opponent for Arsenal. Anfield, in particular, has been a nightmare for the Gunners over the years. The crowd is electric, the team is intense, and the pressure is unlike anywhere else.
When Arsenal face Liverpool, it is never just another game. It is a test of mentality, courage, and tactical discipline.
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In the 2022/23 season, Arsenal were leading 2-0 at Anfield but allowed Liverpool to come back and draw 2-2. That result played a huge role in Arsenal losing momentum in the title race.
In the following season, they again struggled to control Liverpool, showing that the challenge remains the same.
If Arsenal want to be champions, they cannot afford to drop points against direct rivals. Liverpool is one of those rivals. Beating them, or at least standing strong, is what makes the difference between challengers and winners.
This is why people say Arteta has no excuse. His squad is ready, his players are experienced, and the team has grown in confidence. Liverpool will be the real test to prove Arsenal’s progress.
Arsenal’s Summer of Strength
One of the reasons Arsenal fans have high expectations is the strong summer preparation. The club was active in the transfer window, targeting areas that needed reinforcement.
Arteta and sporting director Edu worked together to bring in players who add quality and depth. Arsenal no longer rely on just one or two stars. They now have options across defense, midfield, and attack.
- The defense is stronger, with leaders who can handle pressure.
- The midfield has more balance, mixing creativity with discipline.
- The attack is sharp, with multiple players capable of scoring goals.
Pre-season games also showed a more confident Arsenal. Players looked fit, hungry, and ready for another big campaign. Unlike previous years, there is no excuse of lack of squad depth or lack of preparation.
Arsenal fans are some of the most passionate in the world. They have supported Arteta through tough times, even when many doubted him. They celebrated progress and applauded near misses. But now, patience is running out.
Supporters believe the team has everything it needs to finally deliver a Premier League title. They want to see dominance not only against smaller clubs but also against big rivals like Liverpool.
The truth is simple: fans will no longer accept excuses. Injuries, lack of experience, or pressure – none of these can be used anymore. Arsenal have been building for years. This is the time to prove it.
It is also important to remember how much Arteta himself has grown. He came to Arsenal as a young coach with little experience. Many doubted if he could manage a big club. But step by step, he has proven his quality.
- He won the FA Cup early in his career, showing his ability in big games.
- He rebuilt the squad, removing players who did not fit his system.
- He created a culture of discipline, teamwork, and hunger.
- He developed young stars like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and William Saliba.
Now, Arteta is no longer seen as a rookie manager. He is respected across Europe. But with respect comes expectation. This season, he must show he can take Arsenal all the way.
Against Liverpool, his tactical plans will be tested. Can he outsmart one of the toughest opponents in England? That is what fans want to see.
The Mental Battle
Football is not only about skills and tactics. It is also about mentality. And when it comes to Liverpool, mentality is everything.
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At Anfield, teams often crumble under the noise and pressure. Arsenal have done so many times before. But this new Arsenal is expected to be different. They now have leaders who can calm the game, players who can step up, and a coach who demands control.
Arteta has no excuse if his team shows fear. Arsenal must approach Liverpool with confidence. They must show they are not afraid. Champions do not hide in big games. They rise to the occasion.
The Message to Rivals
Beating Liverpool will not only give Arsenal points. It will also send a strong message to the rest of the league.
Manchester City know how tough Liverpool can be. If Arsenal can go to Anfield or face Liverpool at home and show dominance, City will take notice. Other rivals will also realize that Arsenal are not just contenders, but serious favorites.
That psychological edge can make a big difference in a long season.
For Mikel Arteta, the time for excuses is over. He has the squad. He has the backing. He has the experience.
Liverpool remain one of Arsenal’s toughest challenges. But they are also the perfect test. If Arsenal want to be champions, they must face Liverpool without fear, without hesitation, and without excuses.
Fans want to see courage. They want to see maturity. They want to see a team that is ready to lift the trophy.
Arteta has taken Arsenal far. But this season, against Liverpool and in the title race, he must take them all the way.
No excuses. Only results.