Can Arsenal build on a successful season?

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"Pain."

The word from Mikel Arteta in his post-match news conference when asked to sum up the Champions League final defeat to Paris St-Germain in Budapest.

Author | DJ


Today, Arsenal will board an open-top bus parade to celebrate their Premier League title, less than 24 hours after the agony of their Champions League final defeat.

The Gunners, who arrived at Saturday's showpiece unbeaten in Europe this season, missed out on the chance to become European Invincibles after losing to Paris St-Germain in a penalty shootout.

There is no doubt Arsenal will be hurting, but they will return from Hungary before joining supporters in marking a campaign that has delivered plenty to celebrate.

Before the final, Mikel Arteta spoke of using the club's Premier League triumph as a springboard towards even greater achievements and further silverware.

Instead, his side fell just short in their pursuit of a first European crown, in what was their first final in the competition since 2006.

Arsenal turned in a committed and resilient performance but lacked a cutting edge in attack as PSG controlled 75% of possession and ultimately prevailed on penalties, with centre-back Gabriel blazing his spot-kick over the bar.

Even so, Arsenal have enjoyed an outstanding season, ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League title. The question now is whether the pain of this defeat can provide the motivation to drive them even further next season.

How will Mikel Arteta look back at the 25/26 season?

A review of Arsenal's squad will take place over the summer, but there can be little doubt about the progress this team has made since Mikel Arteta took charge in 2019.

From a fan perspective, Arsenal fans have created an atmosphere that hasn't been seen the days of Highbury. 

In terms of the squad, Bukayo Saka is the only player remaining from the squad Arteta inherited, and the manager described it as a "joy" to share this season with his players and staff.

Arsenal have already been assessing ways to generate funds in the upcoming transfer window, with player sales likely to form part of their plans.

There is also an exciting crop of young talent coming through. Among them are 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, who started the final in Budapest, fellow teenager Ethan Nwaneri, and 16-year-olds Max Dowman and Marli Salmon, all of whom could establish themselves as first-team regulars in the years ahead.

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