Arsenal’s 2025 Premier League story ended with familiar anguish on 25 May as a gripping 3 to 3 draw at St Mary’s left them runners up behind Liverpool for a second straight year. The Gunners arrived on the south coast needing victory and a miracle elsewhere, yet they twice surrendered the lead in a chaotic finale that summed up a turbulent spring. Bukayo Saka fired his side ahead on 12 minutes, only for Southampton winger Samuel Ameobi to level before the break. Declan Rice’s thumping header and a Martin Ødegaard volley restored control, but late defensive lapses allowed Che Adams and substitute Ross Stewart to snatch parity. News filtered through of Liverpool’s comfortable 3 to 0 home win over Crystal Palace as stoppage time began, and an audible groan rippled through the travelling support. The final table showed Arsenal on 76 points, 18 behind the champions. Captain Ødegaard dropped to his haunches at full time, while Mikel Arteta paced the technical area applauding fans who chanted “We will be back” long after the whistle. The campaign’s early promise-Arsenal topped the standings in November-faded once an injury crisis struck in February. Key forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz suffered season ending setbacks, forcing Arteta to promote academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri and repurpose Leandro Trossard as a centre forward. A run of one win in five matches during April turned the title chase into an uphill climb that ultimately proved too steep. Despite the heartbreak, positives abound. Saka delivered career best numbers, Rice produced midfield masterclasses, and new signing Riccardo Calafiori emerged as a dependable left back. Sporting director Edu confirmed post match that summer business will focus on a prolific striker and another central defender. Supporters left Southampton disappointed yet defiant, convinced that with targeted reinforcements Arsenal can transform near misses into long awaited glory next season.
