2024/25 Review: Another Season, Another Near Miss for Arsenal

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The curtain has fallen on another campaign, and for Arsenal, it’s yet another season ending without silverware. Despite flashes of brilliance and moments that hinted at greatness, the Gunners have once again been left wondering what might have been.

Their season was marked by two painful semi-final exits — first, in the Carabao Cup to eventual winners Newcastle United, and then in Europe, where Paris Saint-Germain edged them out in the Champions League last four. With Liverpool running away as Premier League champions, finishing 10 points clear of Arsenal, hopes of salvaging the season rested heavily on European glory — a prize that still eludes them.

This was a rollercoaster of a season: thrilling wins, emotional highs, public frustration, and debate surrounding Mikel Arteta’s future. But when the dust settled, the wait for a major trophy continued.

Player of the Season – Declan Rice

When Real Madrid visited the Emirates in the Champions League quarter-finals, Declan Rice delivered two sublime free-kicks that left the Spanish giants stunned. It was a signature moment in a season where Rice consistently stepped up.

But those highlight-reel goals only scratched the surface of what the England midfielder contributed. Quietly influential, incredibly resilient, and tactically astute, Rice once again proved indispensable. His relentless energy and presence in the midfield made him the engine driving Arsenal forward — and backward when necessary.

Despite enduring setbacks, including a controversial red card and the sting of near-misses in multiple competitions, Rice posted a personal-best 19 goal contributions this season. That, paired with his defensive steel and leadership, justified every cent of his club-record transfer fee.

There’s no denying it — without Declan Rice, Arsenal’s season would have been far more forgettable.

Young Player of the Year – Myles Lewis-Skelly

Hale End continues to shape the future of Arsenal, and this season, the academy’s influence was felt more than ever. While Ethan Nwaneri dazzled with 11 goal contributions and a flair for the spectacular, it was Myles Lewis-Skelly who stole the spotlight.

Initially introduced through short cameos, including a memorable one against Manchester City, Lewis-Skelly’s rise was meteoric. By December, the 18-year-old was handed a full Premier League debut — and never looked back.

Versatile, fearless, and mature beyond his years, he even filled in at left-back during an injury crisis and looked completely at home. His goal in the 5-1 thrashing of City, complete with a cheeky Haaland-inspired celebration, was one for the ages.

He’s not just a promising talent anymore. Lewis-Skelly is a first-team regular — and Arsenal’s brightest young star this year.

Signing of the Season – David Raya

Though Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino had bright moments, no newcomer had as consistent and game-defining an impact as David Raya.

After joining permanently from Brentford, the Spanish keeper didn’t just keep things steady — he excelled. Raya claimed the Premier League Golden Glove for a second straight season with 13 clean sheets, underlining his status as one of the league’s elite shot-stoppers.

More than just saves, Raya’s distribution and composure allowed Arsenal to build attacks from the back. When he wasn’t in goal, the tactical shift was obvious — his absence disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm. That’s how vital he’s become.

Most Improved – David Raya

It’s rare to win both the Golden Glove and the title of “most improved,” but David Raya has done just that.

His numbers tell the story. Thirteen clean sheets once again, and a noticeable improvement in ball distribution — completing over 1,200 passes this season at around a 70% success rate, up from 60% the year prior.

He’s not just a great shot-stopper anymore — he’s an architect at the back, contributing to Arsenal’s attacking phases and offering the kind of composure that few goalkeepers in Europe can match.

Surprise package – Jakub Kiwior

Jakub Kiwior was hardly a household name heading into the season, and when Gabriel Magalhães got injured, few expected him to fill the void. But the Polish defender did just that — and then some.

Kiwior not only stepped up — he stood out. Game after game, he delivered with confidence, poise, and, most importantly, consistency — something that had eluded him in the past. Where before he’d follow a solid performance with a shaky one, this year he found a rhythm and won over fans in the process.

His goal against Crystal Palace was met with thunderous applause, and after his standout showings in the Champions League against Real Madrid, even the harshest critics were silenced. Kiwior is no longer a fringe option — he’s a key piece of the puzzle.

Biggest disappointment – Raheem Sterling

After failing to sign a top class attacker in the summer window, Arsenal ended up taking Sterling on loan from Chelsea on deadline day. The deal was spun as a win-win, as we got an experienced and versatile attacker who would add some much needed depth to Arteta’s front-line, and Arsenal were only paying a portion of his high wages.

Many fans were hugely frustrated – and rightly so – that Arsenal’s only meaningful reinforcement in attack was a 30-year-old outcast from a London rival, but most could see the potential positives of Sterling addition to the young squad.

However, it’s fair to say the move was a disaster. Sterling scored just one goal which came in a 5-1 win over Bolton in the EFL Cup third round, while he chipped in with 5 assists. He started just seven Premier League games and offered very little whenever he was on the pitch. Sterling didn’t seem to suit Arteta’s system and looked lost most of the time.

The one positive from the loan move was that Sterling helped guide some of the younger players such as Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, but otherwise his time at Arsenal was largely one to forget.

Highlight of the Season – Arsenal 3-0 Real Madrid

Amid the frustration, Arsenal still delivered unforgettable moments — none more iconic than the 3-0 drubbing of Real Madrid at the Emirates in the Champions League.

After a cagey opening half, the Gunners exploded into life. Declan Rice struck twice with picture-perfect free-kicks, before Mikel Merino added the final flourish to cap a dominant display over the reigning European champions.

That night, Arsenal weren’t just contenders — they were conquerors. It was a match that not only electrified fans with Arsenal tickets but also solidified Arteta’s tactical evolution on the European stage.

And with a 2-1 victory in the second leg at the Bernabeu, Arsenal stayed unbeaten against Madrid — a remarkable feat and the undeniable high point of their season.

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