ARSENAL’S TUNNEL MIGHT JUST GET DARKER

What’s on the line is clear: a top-four or top-five finish to maintain Arsenal’s European stature. With 16 points dropped in the Premier League already, compared to 10 at this stage last season, and a squad stretched thin, Arteta faces his toughest test yet. The tunnel at Emirates may darken further.

 Arsenal’s dreams of a first UEFA Champions League title came crushing on Wednesday as a 2-1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinal second leg at Parc des Princes sealed a 3-1 aggregate defeat, leaving the Gunners to confront a precarious Premier League finish with top-four hopes in jeopardy. 

Mikel Arteta’s side, despite a rather brave effort in Paris, now faces a grueling three-game stretch to secure Champions League qualification for next season, with injuries and fading momentum threatening to derail their campaign.

PSG’s victory ended Arsenal’s European dream despite generating 3.14 expected goals (xG) and 19 shots, their most ever in a Champions League knockout match since 2016. “Their goalkeeper won the game for them,” Arteta said, praising his team’s effort amid long-term injuries to Gabriel, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz.

The semifinal exit followed a 1-0 first-leg loss at Emirates Stadium on April 29, where Ousmane Dembélé’s fourth-minute strike exposed Arsenal’s midfield vulnerabilities without the suspended Thomas Partey. A 1-2 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth on May 3 compounded Arsenal’s woes, with Dean Huijsen and Evanilson overturning Declan Rice’s 33rd-minute opener. These results mark three straight losses across all competitions, a stark contrast to Arsenal’s earlier triumphs, including a 2-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter finals.

Arteta embraces Jurrien Timber after being knocked out of UCL on Wednesday. 📸:Courtesy

Arsenal’s recent form reveals deeper issues. Since April, they’ve conceded five goals from set pieces, tied for the most among Premier League sides, and their attack has struggled without a clinical striker. The Gunners’ bench, weakened by injuries, further limits Arteta’s tactical options, with key players like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Meghalhes, and now Jurrien Timber all sidelined with fitness issues.

Their goalkeeper won the game for them Arteta on PSG 's win in the semis of UCL

The immediate challenge now is a daunting Premier League run-in. First at Liverpool this Sunday, where they are expected to give a guard of honour to the champions,and at home against Newcastle United (May 18) before ending the season at Southampton (May 25). Liverpool are unbeaten at Anfield this season, while Newcastle’s attacking flair and hunt for champions league football poses a serious threat to Mikel Arteta’s men. Southampton, despite already having been relegated, could still be a problem.

Arsenal currently sit third with 67 points, only 6 better than Nottingham Forest in sixth and deep in the battle to secure Champions League qualification. This  might see their tunnel get darker if they lose 2 or all of  their upcoming fixtures, which could cost them a spot at next season's campaign in the prestigious competition. Arteta acknowledged the stakes, vowing to channel “rage, anger, frustration” from recent losses into a response at Anfield.