💬 “It Can’t All Come from the Manager”: Martin Keown on Arsenal’s Path to Becoming Champions
⚽ Arsenal’s Reality Check: Another Season, Another Second Place
Arsenal’s recent 1-0 victory over Newcastle confirmed what fans and critics alike expected—they are likely to finish second in the Premier League for a third consecutive season. Despite consistent improvement under Mikel Arteta, questions loom: What’s missing? How do they finally win?
Former Gunners defender Martin Keown, who’s experienced both the agony of near misses and the ecstasy of title triumphs, believes the answer lies deeper than tactics or transfers.
🧠 The Mindset Shift: “It Hurts When You Don’t Win”
“It can’t all come from the manager—it has to come from the players.” – Martin Keown
Keown emphasizes that elite football demands an internal drive from within the squad. While Arteta has done a commendable job motivating the team, it’s up to the players to develop the hunger and resilience required to cross the finish line as champions.
Drawing from his own experience between 1998-2001, when Arsenal finished second to Manchester United three times in a row, Keown explains how the disappointment forged a stronger group that refused to settle for less.
🔁 Lessons from the Past: Wenger’s Subtle Masterstroke
In the summer of 2001, Arsène Wenger brought in a sports psychologist who told the squad that “statistics say you’re second-best.” While it stung, it sparked introspection and transformation. The very next season, Arsenal did the Double, winning the FA Cup and the Premier League.
Similarly, Keown believes that while Arsenal might not need a major squad overhaul in 2025, they do need the right mental edge. “It’s not always about signing a big striker,” he explains, “but about building a core group that simply refuses to lose.”
💥 Turning Pain into Power: The Role of Mikel Arteta
Arteta is building something potent. In crucial moments—like halftime against Newcastle or during the comeback at Anfield—he has shown his motivational strength. His “lieutenants” on the pitch, especially Declan Rice, reflect that warrior spirit even when they aren’t 100% fit.
Still, Keown reiterates: Arteta cannot do it alone. The dressing room must be filled with leaders who, like in Keown’s era, will “not rest until they get that glory.”
🔄 Minimal Changes, Maximum Desire
Interestingly, Arsenal didn’t make massive changes before their double-winning 2001–02 season. Aside from Sol Campbell and Francis Jeffers, the core remained intact.
Similarly, this current squad doesn’t need an overhaul. A couple of strategic signings and a ruthless mindset could be the final ingredients. As Keown puts it: “What they really need is a burning desire to win.”
🏆 What Comes Next for Arsenal?
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Back-to-back Champions League qualification for the third straight season.
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A solid Premier League run despite injury setbacks.
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Renewed belief from fans who feel “we’ve got our Arsenal back.”
Keown believes trophies will come—not just because of Arteta’s tactics, but because of the cultural rebuild happening inside the club.
📊 Fast Facts: Arsenal’s Recent Progress
| Season | League Finish | Major Trophies | UCL Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 5th | None | ❌ |
| 2022–23 | 2nd | None | ✅ |
| 2023–24 | 2nd (projected) | None | ✅ |
🔍 Final Thoughts: Grit Over Glory
The Premier League is brutal. Teams like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal continue to push each other to new heights. For Arsenal, Keown believes the difference between “almost” and “finally” lies not in ability—but in accountability.
This summer will be telling, not just for Arteta’s transfer strategy, but for how the dressing room responds. As Keown knows from experience, championships aren’t just won with talent—they’re won with obsession.
✍️ Blog By: [ NEWS OR GAMES ]
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