Arsenal, 2nd, during the season 2024-25, with 78 points, maintaining a sturdy defense that conceded just 45 goals (LFC: 41 goals the best defense). The core team remains largely unchanged with the core players being:
David Raya’s ever-present shot-stopping (38 appearances, 3420 minutes) secures the goalkeeping department.
Defensive leadership remains centralised through William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, who logged 3,042 and 2,366 minutes respectively, offering consistency in Arsenal’s backline structure.
Declan Rice was a midfield force, playing over 2,800 minutes, Captain Martin Ødegaard and Leandro Trossard provide the creative and technical link in the final third, while Bukayo Saka remains the team’s most influential wide threat.
Thomas Partey’s exit (2739 minutes last season) leaves a clear vacuum in the deep midfield. While Declan Rice has the tools to fill in, he has been more effective further forward.
New signings, Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard would be a transformative and more combative at the base of midfield, providing the anchoring presence Arsenal lacked in 2024–25. Viktor Gyökeres, a physical forward with good link-up ability, brings a different attacking profile to complement Kai Havertz, especially in matches where aerial presence is needed. Riccardo Calafiori and Jakub Kiwior add defensive versatility
Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly represent the next generation. Nwaneri’s attacking creativity (11(6) apps) has already shown promise, and Lewis-Skelly offers energetic cover in deeper roles.
Gabriel Jesus (out last year because of injury) is expected to figure prominently this season. Noni Madueke, and Cristian Mosquera, will key roles during this season
Arrival of Martín Zubimendi of in the defensive midfielder can be a game changer for the title credentials. Their midfield balance and forward output still raise questions when compared to Manchester City and Liverpool. Integration of Gyökeres effectively could elevate from consistent top-four contenders to legitimate title threats.
