“Arsenal at risk of ending the season without trophies.”

Arsenal on the brink of collapse: the real threat of a trophyless season that is leaving fans in panic

Just a few weeks ago, it seemed that Arsenal was on track to win four trophies in an epic season, and no one could have imagined that reality would turn into a nightmare. Now, the scenario is different: Mikel Arteta’s team is losing momentum, confidence is fading, and the specter of finishing the season without a single title is closer than ever. It is time to sound the alarm — Arsenal is in crisis and the signs are worrying.

The latest home defeat against Bournemouth was a genuine shock that revealed a group lacking spark, energy, and, above all, belief. What was witnessed on the pitch was a team frozen, unable to impose its game, an image that reflects a deep emotional and sporting crisis. Arteta did not hide the seriousness of the situation: “It’s a strong blow. Now, we have to know how to react. It has to hurt. There are no gray areas. Either we lift our heads and fight or we’re out. This is what football at this level demands.”

The reaction from the fans at the final whistle, with boos and protests, was not unwarranted. The defeat was poor, and it did not come out of nowhere — it is the culmination of an unstable phase full of setbacks. The team’s creativity has been lacking for some time, even reflected in the lackluster 2-0 victory against Everton, where the goals only came at the end of the match. The loss in the League Cup final at Wembley against Manchester City was a harsh blow that seems to have undermined the squad’s morale.

Since then, Arsenal lost in the FA Cup against Southampton, a second-tier team, and only managed a hard-fought and narrow victory against Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Awkward plays, a multitude of errors, and a lack of cohesion have been constant, repeating themselves in the clash with Bournemouth.

Arteta admitted his team’s weakness: “We did many strange things today. We were far from our level.”

Despite still leading the Premier League with a nine-point advantage, the pressure on Arsenal is immense. The Manchester City has two games in hand and will host the Gunners this coming weekend — a decisive clash that could turn the tables. The possibility of a defeat in Manchester, followed by a loss of points at home against Newcastle, is real and could hand the title directly to the Citizens.

If just a few weeks ago no one believed in this scenario, today it is a looming threat over the club and marks what could be a decisive week in the Arteta era: “It’s a huge week. Everything is at stake. We are still in a good position in both competitions, but we need to improve, there’s no doubt about that.”

But the big question everyone is asking is: what will happen to the coach if Arsenal finishes the season without a trophy? After massive investments and several seasons of near misses, this season seemed like the right opportunity for Arteta to solidify his project. The absence of titles, especially with the championship slipping away, will certainly increase the pressure and criticism.

Arteta has transformed Arsenal, renewing both the team and the club, but the future of the manager may depend on a victorious outcome. Without a trophy to present, doubts will grow, and the patience of the board and the fans could quickly run out.

The truth is that, if there was still some tranquility in the stands, that no longer exists. Time is ticking, and Arsenal is dangerously heading towards a season devoid of achievements. The time to seriously worry is now — because finishing empty-handed would be a harsh blow for a giant of English football.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.