Mikel Arteta’s 200th Premier League match in charge of Arsenal was supposed to be a milestone worth celebrating.
Instead, it became a grim reminder of everything that continues to hold the Gunners back.
A frustrating 1-1 draw at Manchester United all but confirmed the inevitable: Arsenal’s title challenge is over—if it ever truly began.
For all their dominance in possession, for all the meticulous patterns weaved around Old Trafford, Arsenal were once again found wanting in the areas that matter most.
Declan Rice’s thunderous equalizer in the 74th minute masked a painfully familiar tale—a team that lacks the killer instinct needed to turn control into victories.
And with Liverpool now a staggering 15 points ahead, Arsenal’s season is slipping into irrelevance.
A Strikerless Gamble That Backfired
Arteta’s belief that his side could navigate a gruelling title race without a proven No. 9 was always a dangerous gamble.
It has now spectacularly backfired. Gabriel Jesus has battled injuries, Kai Havertz has never been a reliable goal threat, and Bukayo Saka’s absence has left an already misfiring attack completely toothless.
The desperation reached new heights at Old Trafford when Arteta turned to Kieran Tierney—a player on his way out of the club—rather than Raheem Sterling, the supposed emergency solution brought in last summer.
That alone was a damning indictment of a flawed transfer policy that has failed to provide Arsenal with the firepower they so desperately needed.
And when the search for a goal grew desperate, the sight of midfielder Mikel Merino leading the attack summed up the entire crisis.
This was not just a tactical failure; it was a complete failure in squad building.
Raya’s Redemption, But Arsenal’s Reality Check
Even when Arsenal found themselves staring at a possible defeat, thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ brilliantly struck free-kick in first-half stoppage time, their response was more out of necessity than genuine belief.
Goalkeeper David Raya, culpable for the opener due to his poor positioning, had to produce a last-gasp wonder save from Fernandes to prevent an even greater humiliation.
Despite Arsenal’s improved defense this season, it has often been their lack of attacking bite that has left them vulnerable.
A single lapse in concentration, a single counterattack, and they find themselves scrambling to stay in games they should be winning.
Arteta’s Progress—But Where Are the Trophies?
Statistically, Arteta’s record remains impressive—119 wins in 200 games, better than Arsène Wenger at the same stage. However, numbers don’t lift trophies, and Arsenal have just one FA Cup triumph to show for five years of progress.
The longer the wait drags on, the more the questions will grow.
This was supposed to be Arsenal’s moment to seize. Manchester City have faltered, leaving a vacuum at the top of the table.
But, instead of stepping forward, the Gunners have faded, watching as Arne Slot’s relentless Liverpool surge towards another Premier League crown.
The Harsh Truth: Arsenal Are Still “Nearly Men”
The cold reality? Arsenal are still a team that “almost” challenges, that “almost” has enough quality, that “almost” gets the job done. But football is not a game of “almosts.”
As the final whistle blew at Old Trafford, the subdued reaction from Arsenal’s players and fans said it all. The title race is over.
And unless Arteta and his recruitment team finally solve their glaring issues, Arsenal will remain exactly where they’ve been for years—on the outside looking in.
