Arsenal Football Club is one of the most popular teams in the world. Their financial power ranks them among the elite, consistently appearing in the top revenue-generating clubs globally. In fact, the latest rankings placed them as the seventh-highest-earning club in the world. With such financial might and a vast fan base, Arsenal is always in the spotlight. However, despite its illustrious history and reputation for playing beautiful football, the club has struggled to secure major titles.
They haven’t won the Premier League since 2004, when they completed the historic Invincible season without losing a single game. Their last FA Cup victory was in 2020. More strikingly, Arsenal has never won the UEFA Champions League. This raises the crucial question: Why has Arsenal, a club that once played the most attractive football in England, failed to maintain its dominance?
Let’s break down the main reasons behind Arsenal’s struggles.
The Wenger Legacy – A Double-Edged Sword
Arsène Wenger is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in Arsenal’s history. Under his leadership, the club reached new heights, revolutionizing English football with a focus on youth development, attacking play, and a beautiful style of football. However, after the legendary 2004 season, Wenger’s vision took a turn that may have hindered the club’s ability to compete for major titles.
Wenger strongly believed in financial prudence, avoiding extravagant spending in the transfer market. His philosophy was to develop young players rather than sign ready-made stars. While this approach was innovative, other clubs adopted it more efficiently. Take Real Madrid, for example—they sign young talents but also invest in established stars like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé.
Wenger, on the other hand, maintained an unbalanced approach, leading to key players leaving, including Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry. Arsenal became a club known for selling its best players rather than building a dominant squad. This financial caution cost them dearly in their bid for major silverware.
The Curse of Injuries
If there’s one thing Arsenal fans can relate to, it’s injuries to key players at the worst possible times. Whether it was Eduardo da Silva’s horrific injury, Robin van Persie’s constant fitness struggles, or Aaron Ramsey’s setbacks, Arsenal has consistently suffered from crucial injuries that derailed promising seasons.
Even in recent years, this problem has persisted. This season, for example, Martin Ødegaard suffered an injury, and upon his return, it was Bukayo Saka’s turn to pick up a knock. Last season, Arsenal’s defense was severely affected when William Saliba was injured, ultimately costing them in the title race.
Some might call it bad luck, but the club’s medical and conditioning approach could also be a factor. Regardless, injuries have historically played a major role in Arsenal’s inability to sustain momentum.
The Absence of True Leaders
Since the departure of Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry, Arsenal has lacked a true captain—a leader who can inspire the team in difficult moments. While players like Ødegaard and Aubameyang have been talented and influential, they haven’t possessed the same commanding presence as past Arsenal greats.
Looking at Manchester City, for example, they have figures like Rodri and Rúben Dias, who not only perform but also motivate and lead their teammates. In Arsenal’s case, there has been a clear leadership vacuum that has made it difficult to push through tough situations—like their title challenge against City in the 2022-23 season.
A strong leader could have been the difference between finishing second and actually winning the league.
A Missing Puzzle Piece in the Squad
Arsenal has often had one key weakness in their squad that prevents them from reaching the next level. Whether it’s a weak defense, a lack of a world-class striker, or issues in goalkeeping, there’s always something missing.
Take this season, for instance—the defense and midfield are among the best in Europe, but the club lacks an elite striker. The hesitation to sign a proven goal scorer, such as Alexander Isak or Dušan Vlahović, has left them without a lethal finisher.
This pattern isn’t new. At times when the attack was strong (like during Aubameyang’s prime), the defense was shaky. When the midfield was solid, the goalkeeper situation was a problem. Arsenal’s reluctance to fill key gaps at the right time has cost them major trophies.
The Culture of Comfort
One of Arsenal’s biggest challenges has been the acceptance of mediocrity. Over the years, finishing second, third, or fourth has become "good enough." This mentality is evident in the club’s attitude compared to teams like Manchester City.
Watching behind-the-scenes documentaries of City, you see the hunger and obsession with winning. Even after multiple Premier League titles, their players and staff are under pressure to keep winning. Arsenal, on the other hand, often appears too relaxed, as if securing a Champions League spot is a sufficient achievement.
Even the fans have become accustomed to this. Many joke about Arsenal’s lack of silverware instead of demanding change. Winning is addictive, and until Arsenal develops a winning obsession, breaking the cycle will be difficult.
Can Arsenal Change Their Fate?
Despite these struggles, there’s still hope. Arsenal is currently competing at the top of the Premier League and remains in the Champions League, meaning they have the chance to break this cycle.
If they want to return to the pinnacle of English and European football, they must:
✔ Spend wisely but aggressively on key signings.
✔ Address recurring injury problems.
✔ Find a true leader in the squad.
✔ Eliminate the culture of settling for "good enough."
Arsenal’s history is filled with beautiful football but missed opportunities. The question remains—can they finally change that narrative and return to glory? Time will tell.