Mikel Arteta inherited a team that was in the wrong half of the Premier League. A year later, they ranked 15th. Since Arsenal have been in their first Champions League semifinal for 16 years, their managers can prove that the road ahead can be long and winding, sometimes seemingly involving a backward regression.
Eliminating Real Madrid seems to be a big step forward, especially given how the focus of Declan Rice's twin racing performances are split up, Arsenal shut down European football's resident superpowers.
Paris Saint-Germain’s home defeat initially showed no platform to reach its second Champions League final in its history. The 1-0 deficit was overturned and their trip turned into a night destined to be in a place in Arsenal folklore, and the progress would be obvious and dramatic. No, the verdict will depend in part on how Arsenal withdraws: heroically or loudly, narrowly overcome or explicitly beaten.
If the final assessment can only be at the end of Arteta's rule (taking into account the long-term impact), then there is a broader problem. Even if Arteta's arsenal is still in a progressive arc, even if it is neither linear nor smooth? If so, what is their destination?
The answer doesn't seem to be in Europe for several years, although that's an achievement in itself, from a Champions League exile to a club that can once again become a fixture in the knockout stage.
But their pursuit of Manchester City shows that the final goal has been the first Premier League champion since the Invincibles 2004 title. Then, from eighth to fifth to second, after a major breakthrough, gradually improved.
However, this season shows that marginal gains have given way to multiple mistakes. Arsenal may be third in the two horses, and it would be outrageous if, in some ways, the final league position is not a key factor.
Arsenal has the right to plead for some of their injuries, and the possibility of them not suffering next season. They have different degrees of reasoning for certain decisions, and different degrees of reasoning.
However, 15 points behind Liverpool, it is hard to say that they are the deciding factor. Arsenal will end with the lowest score and goal scores in three seasons. Starting from the winning position, a large number of draws and a total of 21 points fell on the cold position - a lack of the ruthless Arteta revolution.
Anyway, after England's debut, Jurrien Timber was injured and destroyed, Jurrien Timber and precocious Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri also suffered losses, while Mikel Merino proved useful stand-up strikers, but were only signed after being signed. Others - Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, David Raya, Thomas Partey, Rice's spell is a good performance, some people have reduced due to injuries, but without it, it means the team has reached a new level.
Therefore, the heir of New York is the next waiting champion in New York City, bypassed. It seems that their chance becomes Liverpool. Arne Slot calls it Pep Guardiola one side "higher", but Arsenal doesn't have capitalization. If they become Champions League champions, it won't matter.
If Arsenal is not a victory this year, it will be alleviated. Arteta's team is young enough. There is reason to believe that with some keen additions, they can add to their advantage. In particular, many fans hope that the shape of the forward is extra firepower.
However, the peak on one side may carry glory and may fall in just a short time. Arteta's friend and former PSG teammate Mauricio Pochettino brought Tottenham to a Champions League semi-final and a final, but it was the end of the journey, not the penultimate step.
Since Arteta's only major trophy is the 2020 FA Cup, there is a different team, with arguably the Arsenal side rival Tottenham Hotspurs getting unnecessary labels: the best team in the Premier League doesn't win the main silverware.
But, no matter what. Context is a factor. Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool could have won more victories. After Klopp left, their perseverance was rewarded by the beneficiaries. There may also be a question for Arsenal whether playing in a few seasons has paid off or actually showing a return this year, lacking the consistency needed to be a champion.
Iron defense and the ability to awaken yourself in big nights can enable the team to win knockout matches. So, on two shocking nights, the feeling of reality. Now, Arsenal needs another person against PSG - progress, and their progress arc.