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Arsenal’s Statistical Shift: Comparing Their League Journey After 18 Gameweeks in 2023/24 and 2024/25

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( Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta / Photo via Getty )

Arsenal’s performance in the Premier League has come under scrutiny after 18 gameweeks, with comparisons being drawn to last season. Statistical analysis paints a picture of a team that has seen significant changes in certain areas while maintaining its identity in others. This article delves into the key metrics from gameweek 18 in the 2023/24 season and the same stage in 2024/25, offering insights into the progress, setbacks, and implications for the title race.

Points Tally and League Standing

 

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 27: General view inside the stadium as the players of Arsenal form a huddle as the spidercam films before the second half during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Ipswich Town FC at Emirates Stadium on December 27, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

After 18 gameweeks in the 2024/25 season, Arsenal sits on 36 points, four fewer than the 40 points they had managed at the same stage last season. This decline has also affected their league position; they now occupy 3rd place, compared to 2nd at this time last season.

What’s striking is that Arsenal has seen a notable dip in their goals scored and goal difference. In 2023/24, they had scored 41 goals by gameweek 18, but this has dropped to just 35 goals in 2024/25. Similarly, their goal difference, which stood at a robust +27 last season, has fallen to +19, an 8-goal swing.

Despite this decline, Arsenal has managed to stay in the title conversation, albeit facing tougher competition from Liverpool and Manchester City, both of whom have been consistent and relentless.

Home and Away Form

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 21: Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Gabriel during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on December 21, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Breaking down the numbers further, Arsenal’s home and away records reveal interesting patterns. At home, they’ve earned 21 points in 2024/25, which matches their total from last season. However, their away form has been less impressive, yielding 15 points compared to 18 in 2023/24.

This dip in away form can partly be attributed to their attacking struggles on the road. Arsenal has scored only 14 goals in away matches this season, six fewer than the 20 goals they managed last season. Defensively, they’ve been slightly weaker, conceding 17 goals in total (up from 16).

Attacking Efficiency

 

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 18: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s third goal and his hat-trick goal with teammates during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on December 18, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

A key area of concern for Arsenal has been their attacking efficiency. The drop in goals scored is not just a matter of fewer opportunities but also a decline in their xG (expected goals) per match. Last season, Arsenal boasted an xG per match of 2.22, but this has fallen slightly to 2.17 this term.

While the difference might seem marginal, it highlights the fact that Arsenal’s attacking players have been slightly less clinical in front of goal. Injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and positional adjustments for Gabriel Martinelli have also impacted their fluidity in attack.

Defensive Solidity

 

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: William Saliba, Mikel Merino, Gabriel and Kai Havertz of Arsenal look on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on December 14, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Defensively, Arsenal has remained consistent in some respects but shown vulnerabilities in others. They’ve conceded 16 goals so far this season, only one more than at the same stage last year. However, the slight increase in their xGA (expected goals against) per match from 0.84 to 1.02 suggests that their opponents are creating more high-quality chances against them.

A key reason for this could be the absence of Oleksandr Zinchenko in certain matches, as well as Gabriel Magalhães taking on greater defensive responsibilities. Arsenal’s backline has done well to adapt, but these metrics indicate there’s room for improvement.

Disciplinary Record

 

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 06: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal interacts with Referee Istvan Kovacs during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Arsenal FC at Stadio San Siro on November 06, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

One of the more noticeable changes in Arsenal’s game is their disciplinary record. They’ve received 36 yellow cards so far this season, compared to 62 at this stage last year. However, their opponents have drawn more fouls this season, with Arsenal players being on the receiving end of 50 yellow cards.

This shows a trend of increased intensity in Arsenal’s matches, where they’re both committing and suffering from aggressive play. Despite this, Arsenal has managed to avoid red cards this season, compared to the two they received in 2023/24.

Key Fixtures and Results

 

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Thomas Partey of Arsenal challenges Luis Diaz of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

When comparing Arsenal’s results in equivalent fixtures from last season, some key differences emerge:

Liverpool (Home): Last season, Arsenal managed a dramatic 3-3 draw at home. This season, the scoreline was slightly less thrilling at 2-2, but the Gunners showed resilience despite Liverpool’s dominance.

Chelsea (Away): A tough away fixture ended in a 1-1 draw for Arsenal this season, replicating last year’s result. However, the performances differed significantly, with Chelsea looking far stronger this time around.

Brighton (Away): A major disappointment for Arsenal this season was their 1-1 draw against Brighton, where they conceded a late equalizer. This was in stark contrast to their dominant 4-2 win last year.

Player Contributions

 

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on December 08, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

One of the major challenges Arsenal has faced this season is adapting to injuries and changes in their lineup notably that of Martin Odegaard that kept him out for a long time. Bukayo Saka’s injury has forced Gabriel Martinelli to shift to the right, a position where he’s still finding his rhythm. As Mikel Arteta mentioned recently, Martinelli needs support and close relationships with teammates to thrive in this new role.

Meanwhile, the absence of Eddie Nketiah (who is no longer with the club) has placed added pressure on Gabriel Jesus and others  to deliver consistently. New additions and younger players have shown promise but are yet to fully integrate into the system.

Looking Ahead

As Arsenal prepares for the remainder of the season, their focus will undoubtedly be on regaining consistency in attack while tightening their defense. The title race remains open, with Liverpool and Manchester City setting the pace, but Arsenal has shown enough resilience and quality to stay in contention.

 

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta’s ability to adapt and make tactical adjustments will be crucial. With the January transfer window approaching, there’s also the possibility of reinforcements to address some of the gaps in the squad.

While Arsenal’s statistical decline in certain areas is evident, it’s important to consider the context of their season. Injuries, tougher competition, and evolving tactics have all played a role in shaping their journey so far.

The Gunners remain a formidable side, and with Mikel Arteta at the helm, they have the tools to overcome these challenges and mount a serious title challenge. Whether they can replicate the highs of last season or carve out a new path to success will depend on their ability to adapt and deliver in the crucial months ahead.

Hello there everybody?! Am Mumbere Osbert the chief editor of Arsenal True Fans, I am a person who likes  digging up statistics of football players in order to do accurate analysis. My interests are football, movies, music.

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