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Monday 23/02/2026

Arsenal's Title Hopes Fade as Transfer Strategy Comes Under Scrutiny

Mikel Arteta looking worried on the sidelines during a match.
Daniel RiveraDaniel Rivera

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Arsenal's Premier League title hopes dimmed after a 1-1 draw against Manchester United, leaving them 15 points behind leaders Liverpool.
  • Injuries to key players and a lack of a recognized striker have exposed Arsenal's flawed transfer strategy.
  • Mikel Arteta's tenure has seen improvement, but the pressure mounts to deliver a trophy beyond the 2020 FA Cup win.
  • Liverpool's consistent performance has widened the gap, capitalizing on Arsenal's faltering form.
  • Arsenal remains a strong contender in the Champions League, with a quarter-final spot nearly secured.

Arsenal's aspirations for the Premier League title have taken a significant hit following a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford. This result leaves the Gunners trailing Liverpool by 15 points, with their title challenge appearing increasingly out of reach.

Struggles in Attack

Arsenal's performance against United highlighted ongoing issues in their attacking strategy. Despite dominating possession with 68.2%, the team struggled to convert opportunities into goals. Injuries to key forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have further exposed the lack of depth in Arsenal's striking options. Manager Mikel Arteta's decision to rely on full-back Kieran Tierney, set to leave for Celtic, instead of forward Raheem Sterling, who has yet to make an impact since his loan from Chelsea, underscores the club's transfer missteps.

Arteta acknowledged the team's inefficiencies, stating, "The efficiency we had in the last 20 metres wasn't good enough. We know that." The absence of a reliable goalscorer has left Arsenal vulnerable, a situation exacerbated by their failure to secure a dedicated striker during the transfer window.

Arteta's Tenure and Trophy Pressure

While Arteta has improved Arsenal's overall performance since his appointment in 2019, the pressure to secure a major trophy is mounting. The Spaniard has achieved 118 wins in his first 200 Premier League games, surpassing Arsene Wenger's record at the same milestone. However, the club's only silverware under his leadership remains the 2020 FA Cup.

Arsenal's hierarchy continues to support Arteta, with expectations that he will soon collaborate with new sporting director Andrea Berta. Despite these internal endorsements, the urgency for tangible success grows, especially as Arsenal remains a strong contender in the Champions League, with a quarter-final berth nearly assured.

Liverpool's Dominance

Meanwhile, Liverpool has capitalized on Arsenal's faltering form, extending their lead at the top of the table. Under the guidance of Arne Slot, Liverpool has maintained a relentless pace, leaving Arsenal and other rivals in their wake. The Gunners' inability to seize opportunities has allowed Liverpool to establish a commanding position in the title race.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

Looking ahead, Arsenal faces a critical period in their pursuit of silverware. With the Premier League title slipping away, the focus may shift to the Champions League, where they remain strong contenders. Arteta's ability to navigate the pressures of trophy expectations will be crucial in determining his long-term future at the club.

The upcoming transfer window will also be pivotal. Arsenal's recruitment strategy must address their attacking deficiencies to avoid repeating past mistakes. Securing a reliable striker could be the key to transforming their fortunes and mounting a more formidable challenge in future campaigns.

As Liverpool continues to dominate, Arsenal must regroup and strategize effectively to close the gap. The club's leadership will need to balance immediate performance pressures with long-term planning to ensure sustained success on both domestic and European fronts.