LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on August 31, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Arsenal managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, marking their one loss in the last 25 league games against teams from the so-called ‘Big Six’. Under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have transformed into a formidable title challenger, showcasing significant improvement in their performances against top-tier opponents.
While statistics indicate a resurgence, the absence of trophies raises questions about the team’s ability to deliver in critical moments. Arteta has undoubtedly revitalized Arsenal over his nearly six-year tenure, evident in their enhanced performance against elite clubs compared to previous seasons. Between 2017 and 2023, Arsenal suffered multiple defeats by three or more goals, particularly against Liverpool and Manchester City, along with consistent losses to Manchester United and Chelsea.
The turning point for Arsenal came in the 2022/23 season, where they achieved notable victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, as well as home wins against Manchester United and Liverpool. Despite these successes, they faced setbacks, losing at Old Trafford and relinquishing a two-goal lead at Anfield during a pivotal title race.
That season concluded with a significant defeat to Manchester City, marking their last loss to a ‘Big Six’ team for 858 days. Despite a string of losses to clubs like Aston Villa, Newcastle, and West Ham, Arsenal excelled in crucial matches against top opponents. From April 26, 2023 to August 31, 2025, Arteta’s squad won 14 and drew 9 of these encounters, amassing 51 points, which notably surpassed the tallies of Liverpool and Manchester City.
Despite these impressive figures, Arsenal’s recent matches against Liverpool and Manchester City indicated a familiar challenge: the inability to capitalize on key opportunities when it matters most. A stunning free-kick by Dominik Szoboszlai led to a defeat at Anfield, and the draw against City was seen as a missed chance to assert dominance, especially as both teams were perceived as vulnerable.
The prior season witnessed Arsenal playing conservatively in crucial fixtures, a strategy that drew criticism from pundits. A draw at the Etihad Stadium, where a win could have been pivotal in the title battle, underscored this trend. Additionally, draws at home against Liverpool, and recent stalemates at Stamford Bridge, highlight a troubling pattern.
The Gunners’ victory over Manchester United this season came under fortuitous circumstances, raising concerns about their attacking ambition. The failure to secure a win at Anfield, despite having the opportunity to do so, reinforced doubts about their ability to perform under pressure.
In the recent match against Manchester City, Arteta’s cautious approach was evident. Following an early goal from Erling Haaland, Arsenal struggled to regain control, ultimately salvaging a point through Gabriel Martinelli’s equalizer in added time. While the statistics may favor Arteta’s management, they lose significance if the team cannot seize critical moments in high-stakes matches.
As Arsenal seeks to solidify their place among the elite, the question remains: can they overcome the perceived limitations and deliver when it truly counts? The coming months will certainly test their resolve.
