{"id":13722,"date":"2026-07-08T04:55:29","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T03:55:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/?p=13722"},"modified":"2026-07-12T05:00:48","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T04:00:48","slug":"goonerholics-opine-on-the-championship-season-group-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/?p=13722","title":{"rendered":"Goonerholics Opine on the Championship Season, Group 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A season like 2025\/26 doesn’t come around very often, and we are keen to know what it meant to a variety of ‘Holics near and far, scattered across the globe but bound by a love of Arsenal. We’ve asked a lot of different posters to give us their views on some of the key moments and questions of the season. Three sets of questions were mailed out, not quite identical but close…and they cover a lot of the most important issues that came up during this amazing season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First up, BtM, Scruzgooner, and Sancho Panza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What was the highlight of last season for you ?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

BtM:<\/strong>  The season was a very deeply satisfying one because The Arsenal won the Premier League and came very close to making it a double with a Champions League win over PSG in Budapest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having said that, it was not a season in which our team played their best football ever. Home games in particular often became, nerve mangling, turgid encounters, decided by a single goal. This was primarily because most opponents (apart from the Spuds, bless \u2018em) came to the Emirates with a \u201cDon\u2019t lose\u201d mindset and adopted a low-block approach which didn\u2019t inspire fast flowing open football and quite frequently resulted in the ball semi-circling sideways across our visitors’ penalty box, packed with eleven defenders, as we sought creativity and inspiration to rupture their wall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, in that context, truly magical moments were relatively few for me but I can muster four favourites that will linger long in my memory box (he wrote hopefully while asking himself \u201cwhat day of the week is it again?\u201d). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first, at the Emirates, was Eze\u2019s ball to Martinelli and then our young Brazilian\u2019s fabulous, high, side footed chip over Man Cheaty\u2019s keeper, under the bar and into the right side of the net. We\u2019d been the better team for most of the game but a momentary lapse hade resulted in a Harlaand opener for 0-1 to the bad guys in blue. Time was running out and it was beginning to look to me like we\u2019d hand Guardiola\u2019s team an early advantage in the title race before Brazilian flair and technique resulted in this beautiful, superb and well-deserved equaliser. 1-1 and cue pandemonium in the stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second, at the Emirates again, was the second goal in our home game against Everton. The Toffees had pushed us really hard and had several good chances to score before Gyokores put us 1-0 up. With David Moyes urging them on, Everton continued to create danger and there was every chance that they might equalise. They won a late corner, England\u2019s goalkeeper sprinted up for a Hail Mary header. In came the ball, we headed clear and there was Max Dowman, spinning past some lad in blue before running the length of the pitch to slot the ball home. Again, cue pandemonium, particularly on the home bench, where Arteta\u2019s and the coaching team\u2019s delight was a joy to behold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The third was driven by an event that occurred nowhere near North London. On England\u2019s south coast, Man Cheaty, the blue bottlers, lost at Bournemouth meaning that the Arsenal were Premier League winners. An Estimated 100,000 Gooners descended on Emirates Stadium and the surrounding area invoking memories of Fever Pitch and 1989.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best, without a shadow of a doubt was our fairly straightforward 3-0 home win against Sunderland. That outing was made supremely special for me because of the presence in the stadium of granddaughter Stella, enjoying her first ever Premier League match (courtesy of Bath Jnr). Stella\u2019s a signed-up Young Gunner now and we\u2019re hopeful that more such visits may be in the wind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SP:<\/strong> Full time at the Bournemouth v Manchester City game.  We would still have won the league at Palace but it was great to see the spontaneous celebrations that night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scruz: <\/strong>I have two.  Unsurprisingly, one is (as with many people, not least those who voted it as Arsenal’s 2025\/6 goal of the season) Max scoring on his breakaway against Everton.  Using his head to advance the ball past the flailing Mykolenko, then juking Dewsbury-Hall onto his backside, and being aware at the end they were coming fast…all such hallmarks of a skilled, intelligent player (not to mention young and quick and joyous).  Kudos to Gabi for getting him the ball after Everton’s corner, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The one that resonates most strongly with me, though is Leo’s goal against West Ham to win that game at such a crucial moment in our season (“After review, West Ham #19 commits a foul…” notwithstanding).  M\u00f8’s movement and exchanges with Dec, then his patience for the defense to collapse away from Leo…and the pass…all so much what we are and can be more as a club on offense.  I lost my voice screaming with joy.  We were going to win the league.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When did you believe we were going to win the title?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SP: <\/strong>Did you mean NOT going to become Champions?  I admit to flipping my lid during and after the Bournemouth game, but we put it right i the next game. I didn’t think City were going to win all their games as their defence wasn’t up to much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scruz: <\/strong>It was all hope through the City game, when the first actual glimmer of belief (at least, a glimmer that I could allow myself to feel, for fear of helping jinx the end result) lit the darkness.  But when Leo scored at West Ham, heavenly light of my belief burst forth and the angels sang hosannahs…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BtM:<\/strong> Mikel\u2019s call to arms when he announced the \u201cVery beautiful opportunity of the five game League that we have to play to end the season and win the League\u201d.  He encouraged everyone to get in the boat with the team and carry the enterprise to the winning endpoint that we all wanted and even craved. Arteta is an excellent leader. He uses verbal imagery highly effectively to encourage and stimulate everyone, vested or only interested, toward collective purpose, sense of accomplishment and eventual achievement. Once I\u2019d heard that particular speech, I was sold on our title prospects and very confident that we\u2019d be Champions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who was your player of the season?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scruz:<\/strong> Declan or David Raya.  Nothing to measure between them, both had moments that saved our season and led us to the title.  Maybe Declan shades it by a hair because he just.never.stops.running…and “It’s not over.”  But Raya’s saves against West Ham and Atl\u00e9tico Madrid…wow.  So, a tossup.  Give it to them both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BtM: <\/strong>If asked for a prediction in pre-season, I suspect \u00d8degaard and Saka\u2019s names would have been at the forefront of my mind. However, although he was run very close by Declan Rice in front of him and William Saliba alongside him my POTS was Gabriel Magalh\u00e3es. The quality of our defending as a team was critically important to our title win. Almost equally important was the potency of our set piece play and our ability to hit the back of the net with powerful headers from corners and free kicks, thereby negating low block tactics. Big Gabi lead by example. A true warrior, he was the cornerstone of a never-say-die defensive effort and an inspiration as our \u2018wall at the back\u2019 to all ten other players. At the same time he was superbly potent in set piece attacks, either by scoring himself or by creating such a distraction for opposing defenders that other (Kai Havertz take a bow) were able to cruise in unmarked to score. Fantastic season. One of (if not THE) best central defenders in the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SP: <\/strong>David Raya.  He won us so many points this season.  Arteta was so right to change keepers when he did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who would you most like us to buy?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

BtM:<\/strong> Forwards: Alvarez, Rogers and Jeremy Monga appear to be in the frame. I like all three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Midfield: I\u2019d love to see Bouaddi in our midfield pool. He looks like a superb, versatile talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Defence: I think we need a new right back. White\/Timber combo doesn\u2019t appear future viable because of injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SP: <\/strong>Alvarez if he wants to come here.  We need better up top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scruz: <\/strong>I don’t know.  Everyone wants Alvarez, but the combination of his relative light weight and \u00a3430 million buyout clause make my interest minimal.  Especially if Gy\u00f6keres were to go to Atletico as part of the deal.  I don’t know whom we’ll get (I trust in Berta), but if N\u00f8rgaard isn’t going to play (and is dealt) I’d like to see someone in who can spell Dec without as much drop-off.  I’d like to see Ethan back, and play him in certain situations as a backup for Saka and Noni (especially at the start of the season), but also as a second striker in the God role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you believe we had fair media coverage last season in general?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SP: <\/strong>Our style of play reflected the players we had available and the form of those players. We played some nice football at times.  Other teams may have played nicer football in patches but did they finish top?  No! They finished 2nd to 20th.  Criticism came from people who support other teams so who cares. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scruz: <\/strong>I have but eight letters to say to the jealous snipers, but as this is a family-friendly blog I won’t write them here…but they rhyme with “duck them”.  There are certainly critiques to be made about our incessant need for control, our lack of so-called beautiful football, and the behind-the-couch watching position into which it puts supporters, but my ultimate response is…would we have won the league playing any differently *this year* with *this squad* with *these injuries*?  That usually shuts people up right quick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BtM: <\/strong>Our style of play was predicated primarily upon Mikel Arteta\u2019s single-minded goal of registering more points than any other team in the English Premier League by scoring more and conceding fewer goals than any other team. A secondary imperative was the equivalent in the Champions League. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arsenal scored more goals than all but one team (6 less than the blue Mancs) and conceded less than everyone else (8 fewer than their closest competitor) winning the title with a seven point advantage. What more justification is required than ending the season as League Champions having accomplished the primary objective and coming extremely close in the other – being the only team to score in open play against the Qatar funded team that the majority rate as the best in Europe?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arsenal were not at their very entertaining, swashbuckling best. The supreme quality, teamwork and skillset that had been the hallmark of the prior three seasons was diminished this time around. However, in those prior three seasons we came second. This time we came first. A big difference justifying fully the tactical approach and style of play pursued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And all of this was accomplished despite Brazil\u2019s centre forward being unavailable for the whole season, Germany\u2019s centre forward suffering huge injury set backs, Saka and \u00d8degaard, absolutely key contributors, underperforming because of injury and unavailability as well as injuries to Timber, Merino and Calafiori which significantly curtailed their availability. Incredible – and testament to the importance of the recruitment work completed in last summer\u2019s window. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was there criticism then? Didn\u2019t listen, didn\u2019t hear it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is this the start of a golden era for the club or will our rivals catch us up very quickly?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scruz:<\/strong> I think both.  Mikel is pretty much exactly where he expected to be in his “process”, and we have a relatively young squad that very clearly love each other and enjoy playing together.  Judicious exits and signings this Summer should enable us to challenge again, and as champions (did you hear?) we’ll be both the team that everyone wants to beat, and the team that is most likely to succeed.  But there are no guarantees (see: Liverpool this year).  I don’t know *which* of our rivals will catch us, but someone will make a hard push (I think United, even with Carrick at the helm, might make some noise).  City, Liverpool, and Chelsea are all in transition, one way or another, so they have to prove themselves at least as much as we do in our battle to retain our title.  Should we prevail again, or at least make a good fist of it (and win a cup or two), I believe the momentum will continue to grow and our rivals find it tough to make up groud.  So long as KSE continues to back the squad (re)building, Berta continues to weave his magic transfer rug, and Mikel doesn’t overcommit to the type of football we played for a lot of this year, we could be in for a golden age of wonderful football and success at The Arsenal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BtM: <\/strong>The Premier League, Champions League, World Cup have all contributed to making the global game a money machine. Far sighted nation states and successful \u2018businessmen’ proffering apparently unlimited amounts of roubles, dirham, baht, dollars, euros and Turkish lira have focused their efforts on England and Paris in an effort to achieve legitimacy for national behavioural characteristics and customs or to enrich their already burgeoning estates. This is the backcloth against which a golden era for The Arsenal has to be considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the very simplest analysis, the richest team attracts the best players and the best players form a team that wins stuff. There are nuances on this, but that the underlying thesis is correct isn\u2019t disputable. I think Arsenal are fortunate to have, in the Kroenkes, the owners that we do. While I don\u2019t doubt that the income stream generated by all of their sports brands are at front of mind, it is very apparent that they appreciate that nourishing a winning habits at all of them benefits their estate, generates a huge feel good factor for themselves and great admiration and applause from the multitudes. Unlike, say, the Glazers, they have a sound appreciation and understanding of the teams that their wealth underpins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only just over a decade ago Arsenal\u2019s income was approximately \u00a3300M (coming almost equally in \u00a3100M increments from Matchday, Broadcasting and Commercial). That figure has ballooned on the back of the money machine and better PL\/CL performance to nearer \u00a3750M this season past. This new level, coupled with the very much improved global status of the Arsenal brand as a winner, positions Arsenal\u2019s board to endorse a spending programme to bring a mix of the best and most promising talents on the planet to Emirates stadium. While all of our players are multi-millionaires already, collectively player wages are well below those available in Paris, Madrid and Manchester. If a golden era is to emerge, managing player and coach remuneration will need to be managed forward carefully (we don\u2019t want situations like Casemiro at \u00a3600k; Alexis Sanchez at \u00a3500k pw).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I believe the owners are motivated to achieve more glory and wealth by supporting Mikel Arteta\u2019s effort to build a stronger, more potent, technically skilled squad. Judicious procurement, continued tactical innovation, huge dollops of good fortune on the injury front and there is no reason why Arsenal and its growing global fan base cannot indeed enjoy a golden era. Other brands are available however, will have very similar motivations and some, underpinned by hydrocarbon revenues, will have even deeper pockets than the Kroenkes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SP: <\/strong>I think a bit of both.  We won’t dominate because all the top teams will strengthen and it will become even harder.  If we buy well this Summer we can look forward to more success next season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Has Mikel Arteta done enough to warrant a statue at the Emirates yet?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

BtM: <\/strong>No. He\u2019d find it embarrassing at this stage f the project and would rail against any such proposal. Once the Golden Era is firmly embedded, however, a statue will most certainly be up for consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SP:<\/strong> No.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scruz:<\/strong> Oh, god no.  Way too early to consider it.  Tom Whittaker, Don Howe, or Bertie Mee would deserve one on that basis well before Mikel.  But wouldn’t it be nice to ask that same question in a score of years and have it be an emphatic “Yes!”, due to his successes on and off the pitch?  See the ‘golden era” discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What other comments do you have on last season?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SP: <\/strong>I think on reflection some of our purchases last summer, whilst improving depth and negating the panic of the guaranteed injuries, weren’t necessarily the game changers we needed.  I hope they all improve next season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scruz:<\/strong> I love this squad, and this club so much.  I am so proud to feel deep in my heart Rocky’s “Remember who you are, what you are, and who you represent”, and see it in every player we’re fielding right now, even if it doesn’t always translate into victory on the pitch.  COYG!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BtM:<\/strong> For the coming season to shine on brightly, Martin \u00d8degaard and Bukayo Saka need to return to the very peak of their capabilities. We need to be able to think of Saka in the same way that Liverpool at their best looked to Salah. Likewise for \u00d8degaard, the way that ManCheaty looked to De Bruyne. Martin and Bukayo have come off of a season blighted by injury (and more, apparently, in Martin\u2019s case). Prime Saka and \u00d8degaard make CL success next season feasible, in a sub-prime set of both that likelihood is diminished. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eber Eze is a talent that Mikel has not been completely able to coach to his absolute best in a red and white shirt. Prime Eze would be a wonderful thing to behold and I\u2019m hoping Arteta has that on his list of goals and objectives for the coming season.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A season like 2025\/26 doesn’t come around very often, and we are keen to know what it meant to a variety of ‘Holics near and far, scattered across the globe but bound by a love of Arsenal. We’ve asked a lot of different posters to give us their views on some of the key moments […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[28,20,10],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13722"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13722"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13722\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13734,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13722\/revisions\/13734"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13722"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13722"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goonerholicsforever.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13722"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}