From title challenge to second place threat: Arsenal’s damaging decline hits home
For much of the season, Arsenal looked firmly set for another Premier League title challenge. But after a damaging 2-1 home defeat to AFC Bournemouth, the conversation has quickly shifted.
Arsenal are no longer chasing Liverpool — they are now trying to hold on to second place.
The loss to Bournemouth was their fourth league defeat of the campaign and means Mikel Arteta’s side have now won just once in their last five Premier League matches.
The gap between them and third-placed Manchester City has been cut to three points, while Newcastle United could move to within two if they win their game in hand.
It is a stark contrast from the beginning of April, when a 2-1 win at Fulham saw Arsenal 13 points clear of Manchester City and 14 ahead of Newcastle.
Now, both sides are within striking distance. Arsenal still have to play both Liverpool and Newcastle in their final three games, making their grip on second fragile at best.
The Gunners’ collapse has coincided with their ongoing Champions League campaign. Arteta fielded a strong lineup against Bournemouth despite having a semi-final second leg away to Paris Saint-Germain just days later. That decision backfired.
Arsenal looked mentally and physically drained in the second half, conceding twice from set-pieces — an area where they have both excelled and struggled this season.
Arteta admitted after the match: “We had so many big opportunities to score… when you defend the box the way we did… it is very difficult to win the three points.”
Arsenal’s biggest issue remains their inability to hold leads. Against Bournemouth, they led at half-time but still lost — the 10th time this season they have dropped points after going in front.
They have now thrown away 21 points from winning positions, equalling their highest-ever tally in a Premier League season.
There is also the growing threat of falling out of the top four entirely. Arsenal are currently seven points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest with three games remaining.
While a Champions League final remains a real target, they have not mathematically secured a place in next season’s edition.
If they are to end the season positively, Arsenal must find renewed focus in the league. Arteta admitted, “We haven’t earned the right to finish second yet.”
With difficult fixtures remaining and rivals closing in, their ability to handle pressure and stay consistent will determine whether second place remains within reach.
