In the aftermath of another frustrating result for Arsenal, which has left fans seething and searching for explanations, a growing number of supporters have shifted blame onto refereeing decisions. The narrative of “conspiracies” against their club seems to be taking root, particularly after some controversial calls in recent matches. However, as much as these decisions may sting, the reality is far more grounded in mismanagement—specifically the failure to properly channel an investment of over £100 million into areas that would have made a real difference on the pitch.
The £100m-Plus Misstep
Over the past few transfer windows, Arsenal has spent big money—well over £100 million—on new signings, with some exciting additions like Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber all arriving with lofty expectations. While these players are undoubtedly talented, the overall strategy behind their acquisitions and how they fit into Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup has been called into question.
On paper, this investment looked promising, as the club aimed to bolster key areas of weakness and push for the Premier League title. However, as the season has unfolded, it has become apparent that Arsenal’s squad still has serious gaps. Notably, there is a clear lack of depth and versatility in the attacking areas, which has left the team vulnerable during critical moments.
In particular, the decision to bring in Kai Havertz, while undoubtedly a player with great potential, has raised eyebrows. Despite his versatility, the German international has struggled to find consistent form in Arteta’s system, often looking out of sync in the midfield. In a season where Arsenal needed to strengthen their attack and central midfield, some might argue that these resources could have been better allocated elsewhere—particularly in securing a prolific striker or a more dynamic creator to provide the spark needed when the team struggles to break down opposition defenses.
Jurrien Timber’s season-ending injury was another blow. The £38 million investment in a right-back and centre-back has not yet paid dividends, with Timber only playing a handful of games before he was sidelined. Though Declan Rice has been a solid addition to the squad, his presence has not been enough to make up for the lack of attacking firepower that Arsenal have struggled with in key fixtures.
Attacking Depth: Arsenal’s Achilles Heel
It’s no secret that Arsenal have been lacking a reliable and versatile goal-scorer to support Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli. While Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard have shown flashes of brilliance, neither has been able to consistently deliver at the level required to sustain a serious title challenge. This lack of clinical edge in the final third is an issue that has haunted Arteta and his side throughout the season, and it’s an area where Arsenal’s £100m investment could have made a tangible difference.
Even more concerning is how the squad’s depth has been tested during a packed fixture schedule. Key players like Saka and Ødegaard have often been relied upon too heavily, and with no real backup options performing at a high level, Arsenal’s attacking play has often looked predictable and one-dimensional. In contrast, rivals like Manchester City have been able to rotate seamlessly due to their superior squad depth, allowing their stars to stay fresh throughout the season.
The Conspiracy Myth
Despite all of these internal issues, a growing number of Arsenal fans have opted to point the finger at refereeing decisions, accusing officials of bias or of targeting the club. Recent incidents, including contentious penalty calls and disallowed goals, have ignited the “referee conspiracy” narrative. Of course, refereeing decisions have always played a role in football, and no club is immune to controversial calls—but focusing on these decisions distracts from the larger issue at hand: Arsenal’s own shortcomings.
Referees, for better or worse, are part of the game, and while poor decisions can certainly influence the outcome of a match, they are hardly the reason why Arsenal finds itself trailing behind rivals in the title race. The focus should be on how the squad is managed, where investments are made, and whether Arteta’s tactics are evolving to meet the demands of a Premier League title race.
The continued emphasis on referee conspiracies ignores the fact that Arsenal‘s performances this season have been inconsistent—sometimes brilliant, but often lacking the cutting edge needed to win critical games. Arsenal’s title challenge has faltered not because of a referee conspiracy, but because their squad has not been strong enough in key areas.
Why Arsenal’s Focus Should Be on Improving the Squad
As Arsenal sit in the shadow of their rivals, the club’s focus should shift to addressing the very real gaps in their squad. The £100m-plus investment was supposed to lift the club into the upper echelons of European football, but in truth, it has yet to result in the squad depth, tactical flexibility, and clinical finishing required to mount a serious title challenge. Whether it’s a new striker, a more balanced midfield, or simply better utilization of existing resources, Arsenal’s strategy needs to evolve in order to match the relentless ambition of their competitors.
Arteta has done a commendable job in terms of establishing a coherent system and guiding Arsenal back into the top-four conversation, but now it’s time for the club to level up. For this to happen, the £100m investment must be better utilized. The squad is talented, but it’s still a few pieces away from being the finished article.