The one Arsenal issue that could still derail a potentially special season

Arsenal continue to surge through the 2025/26 campaign, stacking wins across competitions and reinforcing the sense that this could become a truly special season under Mikel Arteta.

Yet amid the optimism, one familiar concern keeps resurfacing in Arteta’s post-match reflections — Arsenal are not killing games off when they should.

Results have been strong, performances largely dominant, but the margins remain tighter than necessary. Over the last eight victories, five have been secured by a single-goal margin. Even progression in the Carabao Cup required a penalty shootout against Crystal Palace in a tie that could, and arguably should, have been settled far earlier.

Following Wednesday’s 3–2 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Arteta acknowledged Arsenal’s dominance deserved a more decisive outcome.

“With so much quality on that pitch, we had the feeling at the end, after the 1–3 and the very dominant period we had, that we had two massive chances to score the fourth one and the result would have been very different,” Arteta said.

Those words echoed comments made after previous narrow wins. Against Brighton & Hove Albion last month, Arteta admitted the 2–1 scoreline flattered the opposition, while similar frustration followed a 1–0 victory over Everton.

Across multiple games, the message has been consistent: Arsenal are creating enough to put matches beyond doubt, but failing to do so.

In some cases, tactical decisions have played a part. Against Wolves, Arsenal dropped too deep after gaining a narrow lead, inviting pressure and conceding unnecessarily.

More often, though, it has been a mental issue — a sense of relaxation once a two-goal cushion is established. When that cushion is reduced to one, Arsenal’s defensive work has generally been excellent, but the self-inflicted tension remains avoidable.

Missed chances have been costly. At 3–1 up against Chelsea, Mikel Merino struck a volley sweetly only to be denied by Robert Sánchez. Gabriel then missed a gilt-edged opportunity from a corner — a situation he usually converts.

At the other end, defensive lapses kept Chelsea in the tie. A slip from Martin Zubimendi, a weak challenge from William Saliba, and a flapped corner involving Kepa Arrizabalaga all contributed to unnecessary jeopardy.

One positive development came in the form of Viktor Gyökeres, who delivered his most convincing performance in an Arsenal shirt. The striker was alert for a tap-in and provided a clever flick assist for Zubimendi, offering exactly the kind of decisive penalty-box presence Arsenal have sometimes lacked.

If Gyökeres can build confidence and become more ruthless in front of goal, much of this tension could evaporate.

Since defeat to Aston Villa in early December, Arsenal are unbeaten in ten matches, with only Liverpool denying them victory. On paper, it is outstanding form.

But in title races and knockout competitions, fine margins have a habit of deciding seasons. Arsenal are too good to keep leaving doors ajar. The quality is there, the structure is sound — now it is about being ruthless.

Right now, finishing games more decisively may be the only flaw standing between Arsenal and something truly special.

As pressure mounts in the Premier League and cup competitions, Arsenal’s ability to turn dominance into decisive scorelines may determine whether this campaign ends with silverware — or lingering regret.

Is Arsenal’s habit of leaving games alive a genuine warning sign — or simply the by-product of controlled dominance?