Arsenal FC: Seven Points Clear, Title Favourites...So Why are the Fans Miserable?

Arsenal are Very Good, So Why are their fans Annoyed?

Arsenal are enjoying a fine season, seven clear at the top of the Premier League table, top of the UEFA Champions League league phase table, and one foot towards a League Cup final at Wembley.

🚨 UPDATED: Arsenal remain +15 up in points compared to the equivalent Premier League fixtures from last season to this season following the 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest. 📈 pic.twitter.com/MrwZJxYpCu

— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) January 18, 2026

However despite that, there is a strong feeling from many fans of Mikel Arteta's side that things aren't quite what they seem...but why is this the case when there is so much to be excited about as the season enters its second period?

Fears from the past

Saturday saw the Gunners frustated at the City Ground versus Sean Dyche's Nottingham Forest, as they were held to a second consecutive 0-0 draw in the Premier League after a poor home showing to Liverpool the previous weekend.

Not only were the performances in both games not up to the standard Arteta would want from his team, but they both came following Manchester City dropping points. And whilst it certainly is positive that despite not winning they have extended their gap, the feeling of 'what could have been' is strong.

Declan Rice on the pitch at full-time after Arsenal drop more points in the Premier League. pic.twitter.com/I4A1u8IWP8

— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) January 17, 2026

WIth the Gunners not tasting title glory since 2004 and following three consecutive second place finishes, alongside the clear shortcomings of other big sides, the pressure for Arsenal to be champions this season is strong.

And with the feeling that its now or never for Arteta, the feeling amongst the fanbase is one of both expectation and edginess, the last two Premier League matches have caused frustration due to the sub-par performances. Added with the fact Arsenal had a similar gap at the top at this time of the season during the 2022/23 campaign, fans can be forgiven for having a fear that shortcomings from the past could return if they are not careful.

Big Summer Signings not Firing

Following a 2024/25 season constantly disrupted by injures, Arsenal needed to go big in the summer transfer window to bring both more quality and depth to the squad, and that's exactly what they did.

With new Sporting Director Andrea Berta leading the operation, Arsenal signed eight first team players, with Piero Hincapie, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard and Christian Mosquera adding to their squad options, however the signings of Martin Zubimendi, and in particular striker Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze were greeted with huge excitement and fanfare.

Zubimendi has been excellent, and both Madueke and Mosquera in particular have proven great, talented squad players. However, it's fair to say both Gyokeres and Eze have been underwhelming so far.

Gyokeres has 2 goals in his last 16 Premier league matches, 0 of them from open play pic.twitter.com/W2nRV1IHt3

— AM (@Prime_afc) January 17, 2026

Neither has been necessarily poor for Arsenal, but certainly not of the expectation that Gunners fans would have wanted from the two big money additions.

Gyokeres has eight goals in all competitions so far this season. And although sympathy can be had with the Swede due to an often lack of service from those around him, perhaps to the unfamiliar of having a striker so different to the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, its fair to say the striker has struggled for geniune form in North London.

Similarly, the case of Eze at Arsenal so far is a fairly strange one. The attacking midfielder was signed in a surprise hijack when it seemed like the England international was on his way to North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Eberechi Eze has played 23 Premier League minutes since 13th December. He was a key player during our strongest period, producing big moments in big games; this isn’t rotation. #Arsenal need him at his free flowing best, killing teams with shots and creatively. Trust him. pic.twitter.com/w8RpCNm8I3

— Adam Keys (@adamkeys_) January 18, 2026

However, since from an incredible hat-trick in the North London Derby in late November, Eze has not started a Premier League match for Arsenal, and has only come off the bench on three occasions. He has been unlucky with the fact that whilst likely being initially brought in to be the starting player on the left wing, Leandro Trossard has shone in that position so far this campaign, leading to Eze needing to be patient to earn his chances.

The fact that both signings haven't quite worked out as intended has no doubt contributed to the melancholy feeling amongst some fans, despite the team's success.

Overall Attacking Concerns

Everyone who knows the Premier League know how strong Arsenal's defence is, boasting perhaps the best centre-back partnership in world football, as well as having one of the world's best midfielders in Declan Rice.

There is arguably no better side across Europe stronger in the defensive and midfield thirds of the pitch. However, there is a strong feeling from many that the Gunners exploits in the final third still leave quite a bit to be desired, and the numbers back that up when looking at the goals scored by Arsenal's forwards in the Premier League.

Trossard has been impressive on the left wing, and is Arsenal's top Premier League scorer, but the Belgian has just five strikes in eighteen matches. Gabriel Martinelli is Arsenal's top scorer in all competitions, but just one of his goals has come in league action.

Arteta's attackers are misfiring in the league 💥 pic.twitter.com/VG66crDg5l

— LiveScore (@livescore) January 17, 2026

Trossard has been impressive on the left wing, and is Arsenal's top Premier League scorer, but the Belgian has just five strikes in eighteen matches. Gabriel Martinelli is Arsenal's top scorer in all competitions, but just one of his goals has come in league action. Meanwhile, Gyokeres and star attacker Bukayo Saka share four Premier League goals each in the Premier League. With the latter not at his usual best compared to previous seasons.

There is no doubt that the forward line for Arsenal does not lack talent, but there is also no doubt that they have been misfiring so far this campaign despite the team's strong position.

The talent is there, but its up to Arteta and his team to get the frontline clicking and get the goals firing, they can always threaten from a set piece, but if the Premier League title is to return to North London this season, the attackers need to be hitting more goals.

Are the Concerns Justified?

The reaction on X (formally Twitter) following the conclusion of the 0-0 draw vs Nottingham Forest was typically dramatic from certain sections of the online Arsenal fanbase, however despite concerns certainly being justified as it's clear there are some aspects that Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have to improve, the Gunners could hardly be in a better place. A healthy lead at the top of the Premier League past the halfway stage, and set to reach a domestic cup final for the first time since 2020.

Arsenal have lost 1 game in our last 30

— Rory Talks Football (@Rory_Talks_Ball) January 18, 2026

And when you consider where they have been in the last few years, Arsenal fans would have been dreaming of being in the position their team find themselves now.

They still need to get over the line and bring silverware to N5, but despite some problems showing in the last few weeks they are in one of the strongest possible positions to do so.