The 2023/24 season came to a close for Arsenal with a late 2-1 win over Everton, but Manchester City’s 3-1 win over West Ham meant it was back-to-back second place finishes for The Gunners.
Mikel Arteta was dealt a blow before the game, with a small muscle issue meaning Bukayo Saka was not fit enough to make a Premier League matchday squad for the first time since the 1-0 win at home versus Manchester City. With Gabriel Martinelli coming onto the right-hand side in replace of the young Englishman. However, their was a boost for Arsenal as Dutch defender Jurrien Timber made a matchday squad for the Arsenal first team since the opening day of the Premier League campaign at home to Nottingham Forest.
The game begun in front of a carnvial-like atmosphere at Emirates Stadium, however that atmosphere was soon diminished when news filtered through that Phil Foden had scored a brace in the opening twenty minutes to make Arsenal’s slim title chances nearly impossible. Martinelli had Arsenal’s best chance of the opening stages when the Brazilian ran onto a superb through ball by Ben White but after skipping past Ashley Young, could only fire his effort straight at Jordan Pickford. While Dominic Calvert-Lewin hit the post for Everton at the other end. Matters were made worse when a deflected free-kick from Idrissa Gana Gueye found the back of the net to give Everton an unlikely lead thirty minutes into the opening period. However, it didn’t take Arsenal too long to respond as just minutes later a superb cutback from Martin Odegaard was played into the path of Takehiro Tomiyasu who finished well into the bottom left corner to quickly equalise for Arsenal. And Emirates Stadium were further boosted with news that Mohammed Kudus had pulled a goal back for West Ham at the Etihad to give Arsenal renewed hope of becoming champions. Although, they went into the break level at 1-1.
Although, any optimism of a West Ham comeback was quickly diminished early on in the second half as Rodri scored to make it 3-1 to Pep Guardiola’s team to put any remaining doubts of where the title was heading to bed. Back in North London, Arsenal pushed for a second goal, and almost got it when Kai Havertz headed off the crossbar after connecting with a Martinelli cross. Odegaard later should have scored for Arsenal but the Gunners skipper hit the ball straight from Pickford from close range in the Everton box.
Despite any hopes of becoming champions all but gone, their was some good news on 70 minutes as Jurrien Timber took to the field for the first time in nine months and the Dutchman, alongside fellow substitutes Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Jesus helped inject more energy to Arsenal as they pushed for a winner. And Arsenal would finally take the lead with just one minute of normal time to go when Jesus intercepted a loose pass from Young, the Brazilian layed it off to Odegaard who ended up mis-kicking his effort but Kai Havertz was at the right place at the right time to tap home his 14th goal of the season and win the game for Arsenal as they ended their season on a high.
However, Manchester City’s 3-1 win meant it wasn’t enough as Mikel Arteta’s side had to settle for another second place finish. And despite visible disappointment from the Arsenal squad following the full-time whistle, there was a strong sense of pride around Emirates Stadium as the Arsenal faithful loudly worshipped their heroes after another strong season of progress.
89 points, 113 goals in all comps, 28 conceded in the Premier League and a record 28 wins, Mikel Arteta has taken this team so far, and it’s clear that it’s a matter of when – not if – his side starts to turn progress into trophies. And everyone connected to Arsenal will be hoping that begins in season 2024/25.