Arsenal will head into the upcoming Premier League season aiming to clinch the title for the first time since the memorable 2003/04 campaign.
The Gunners were unbeaten on that occasion, winning 26 and drawing 12 of their 38 games to finish eleven points clear of the chasing pack.
Fans inclined towards wagering may view Arsenal as a decent bet at odds of 5/2 to claim top spot following three consecutive second placed finishes.
Some of them may even try their luck on the PG Soft demo in the hope of boosting their bankroll before the season gets underway in August.
However, as fans of slots games can testify, it generally pays to take nothing for granted when indulging in any betting activities.
With that in mind, read on as we assess where the title will likely be won or lost next season, starting with the games against other members of the so-called ‘Big Six’.
Arsenal must maintain ‘big game’ mentality
Arsenal’s record in their biggest games last season was impressive, with the team maintaining an unbeaten record in those ten matches.
- Aug 17 – Manchester United vs Arsenal (1-1)
- Aug 30 – Liverpool vs Arsenal (2-2)
- Sep 20 – Arsenal vs Manchester City (5-1)
- Nov 22 – Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur (2-1)
- Nov 29 – Chelsea vs Arsenal (1-1)
- Jan 7 – Arsenal vs Liverpool (2-2)
- Jan 24 – Arsenal vs Manchester United (2-0)
- Feb 21 – Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal (0-1)
- Feb 28 – Arsenal vs Chelsea (1-0)
- Apr 18 – Manchester City vs Arsenal (2-2)
They took 20 points from their ten outings against ‘Big Six’ teams, just one fewer than eventual champions Liverpool collected in their matches.
However, it is worth noting that Arsenal held the lead in three of the five games they drew. Failing to hold onto their advantage cost them six points.
If Mikel Arteta’s side can maintain their big game mentality and avoid throwing away winning situations, their title hopes would improve.
The Gunners cannot afford to drop silly points
Intriguingly, Liverpool were the only member of the ‘Big Six’ who picked up a point at the Emirates Stadium last season courtesy of their 2-2 draw in February.
Unfortunately, the Gunners were also held at home by Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton, Aston Villa, Brentford and Crystal Palace.
With all due respect to each club, teams with aspirations of winning the Premier League title should be recording victories over those opponents.
Arsenal shipped ten points in the five games, the exact margin they finished adrift of Liverpool. They cannot afford to be similarly wasteful next season.
The Gunners also recorded four defeats last term. Bournemouth (H & A), Newcastle United (A) and West Ham United (A) all triumphed over Arsenal in 2024/25.
While it would be unrealistic to expect the team to match the achievements of the 2003/24 title-winning side by remaining unbeaten, each of those defeats was avoidable.
Even turning a couple of those defeats into draws or wins could have changed the narrative in the title race last time around.
Losing games when you have produced your best form is an occupational hazard, but carelessly throwing away points must be avoided at all costs.
Arsenal have demonstrated they can match the big guns in the Premier League. Consistently replicating this against the lesser lights will determine whether they end their title drought.
