Arsenal’s current Premier League season has sparked plenty of debate among fans, with many asking, “Is the glass half full or half empty?” The answer seems to depend largely on each fan’s perspective.
For some, Arsenal’s impressive unbeaten run against “Big Six” teams signals progress. For others, repeatedly surrendering leads in crucial matches raises serious questions about the Gunners’ ability to contend for the title.
Let’s examine the factors that shape this discussion and evaluate whether Arsenal’s glass is indeed half full or half empty as they push to stay in the title race.
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The Positives: Unbeaten Against the “Big Six”
Since the beginning of last season, the gunners has remained unbeaten in all 14 Premier League matches against “Big Six” teams, a stat that many fans consider a significant achievement.
Avoiding defeat against title rivals like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea keeps Arsenal in contention and suggests that they’re capable of competing with the best. This unbeaten record is not an easy feat, particularly for a club in a rebuilding phase under Mikel Arteta.
This consistency signals that the gunners has made major strides, especially considering past seasons when they struggled to claim even a point in these crucial matchups.
For supporters focusing on this aspect, the glass is definitely half full, reflecting a new level of resilience and tactical maturity. It’s a promising sign that Arteta’s team can rise to the occasion, potentially setting a foundation for future success.
The Frustrations: Repeatedly Surrendering Leads
Yet, Arsenal’s season isn’t without its frustrations. Despite their unbeaten record against top opponents, the Gunners have repeatedly lost valuable points by failing to hold onto leads.
This has been a recurring pattern: Arsenal dropped leads against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea, ending in frustrating draws instead of statement wins.
These moments have been particularly disheartening for fans hoping for a title challenge, as each match saw Arsenal positioned to take three points before ultimately settling for one.
The trend goes beyond the “Big Six” matchups. Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brighton, after leading 1-0 at halftime, and a wild game against Leicester—where Arsenal let a 2-0 lead slip before finally winning 4-2—further illustrate this pattern. Such lapses in concentration and defensive errors leave some fans seeing the glass as half empty, as Arsenal’s dropped points have left them trailing further behind in the title race.
⚪️ Arteta: “We were very unlucky. We have dominated one of the best teams in Europe but we don’t get the results”.
“That is what is missing”. pic.twitter.com/PfOTFGUfoZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 10, 2024
The Mentality Divide Among Fans
For long-time fans, particularly those who remember the glory days of “The Invincibles,” this season’s shortcomings can feel especially disappointing. For these fans, the wait for another title has been agonizingly long, and they’re eager to see Arsenal capitalize on their talent and potential.
Many of these supporters might argue that Arsenal’s inability to close out games against top rivals shows that the team isn’t yet ready to truly contend for the title, viewing the glass as half empty.
However, there’s a younger generation of fans with unwavering faith in Arteta’s process. For these fans, Arsenal’s improvements under Arteta are reason enough to remain optimistic, even if the team still has some kinks to iron out.
They see a team developing under a manager with a clear vision, and they view setbacks as part of the process. From this perspective, the glass is half full, as each season brings the club closer to its goals.
Odegaard’s Return: A Boost with Defensive Concerns
The gunner’s season has also seen the return of captain Martin Ødegaard, whose creativity and leadership provide a vital spark in the team’s midfield. Ødegaard’s impact on Arsenal’s attack is undeniable, as he consistently creates scoring opportunities and controls the tempo of the game. His presence strengthens Arsenal’s offensive output, giving fans hope that the team’s attack is as sharp as ever.
However, with Ødegaard’s return comes a reminder of Arsenal’s defensive vulnerabilities. While the Gunners have the offensive firepower to take leads against top teams, defensive lapses have allowed opponents to claw their way back into games. This duality—flashes of attacking brilliance offset by defensive mistakes—has contributed to the mixed feelings among supporters.
The Potential: What If Arsenal Had Held Their Leads?
Had Arsenal managed to hold onto their leads against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea, their standing in the league would look very different.
These dropped points have left Arsenal nine points behind league leaders Arne Slot’s team, rather than sitting just two points behind in a strong second-place position.
For many fans, this scenario adds fuel to the “half empty” perspective, as it illustrates the lost potential of what could have been a stronger season.
Such near-misses have kept Arsenal within the top four but limited their ability to challenge for the top spot. Supporters can’t help but wonder: if the Gunners had simply held their ground in key moments, could they be right in the thick of the title race?
The Reality: Unresolved Questions in Arsenal’s Title Quest
This season, The gunners has given fans ample reason to believe that a title-winning squad could be within reach.
Their ability to avoid costly defeats against top teams shows progress. But the repeated mistakes that have cost them leads highlight the need for further improvement if they want to turn potential into results.
Arsenal’s situation reflects a team still growing, with moments of excellence countered by periods of inconsistency. For now, they may not yet have the balance required to lift the Premier League trophy, but they’re inching closer.
Arteta’s tactical adjustments, Ødegaard’s leadership, and the young squad’s potential leave the glass somewhere in between—perhaps half full, with room for more.
