As the curtain falls on another exhilarating English Premier League season, the footballing world finds itself in its customary period of reflection, looking back at the highs and lows that have defined the campaign.
Among the post-season’s most captivating topics is the new debate between the North London rivals, with the question being asked: did Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur have the better season?
While Arsenal’s second-placed finish in the league is impressive, Tottenham’s UEFA Europa League victory stands out as the defining achievement of the season, ending their long wait for silverware and cementing their claim to success.
"I ?????? win things in my second year” ?
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Ange Postecoglou did not lie ? pic.twitter.com/u6oeVwIIw4
Spurs’ European Glory
For Tottenham fans, the Europa League triumphs represents more than just another trophy, it could serve as a real turning point for the club.
After years of near-misses and heartbreak, Spurs finally ended their 17-year wait for a major trophy, while also lifting their first European silverware since winning the UEFA Cup for the second time in 1983/84.
Despite not being the biggest of the European trophies, with the UEFA Champions League certainly more desirable, any silverware on the continental stage can not be overlooked, especially with several top-tier clubs in England still failing to add a European trophy to their collection.
By contrast, Arsenal’s second-placed finish, while admirable, is ultimately just that – a finish. Without silverware to accompany a third consecutive runners-up medal in the league, their season remains another tale of promise rather than fulfilment and success.
Success Despite Adversity
While the argument for Spurs boasting the better season is compelling, the same can be said for the argument against them.
Their journey to European success was certainly not without its setbacks, as Spurs recorded an utterly miserable 17th-placed finish in the Premier League – simply unacceptable for a club the size of Tottenham Hotspur.
Ange Postecoglou’s men recorded 11 wins, five draws and 22 defeats in their 38 league games, setting a record number of defeats for a team that has avoided relegation in the Premier League era.
However, their European glory does outweigh their domestic shortcomings, with a trophy on the continental stage certainly worth more than a mere place in the Premier League table – something that falls deaf on Arsenal ears.
Moreover, their Europa League triumph ensured a return to Champions League football for the first time since 2022/23, meaning they effectively matched Arsenal’s achievement of qualifying for Europe’s elite tournament while also adding a trophy to their cabinet.
The Gunners certainly enjoyed a more stable league campaign, but several underwhelming results at key moments meant they failed to secure a trophy for yet another season, particularly disappointing given Manchester City’s struggles in the league this term.
Arteta's Arsenal = Poch's Spurs
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Change our minds.
Conclusion
In football, trophies are the ultimate goal and currency of success.
Arsenal fans will argue that their second-placed finish compared to Tottenham’s 17th is enough to say they had the better season, but a trophy is a definitive statement that holds far greater weight in a sport that is defined by winning, while both ensured qualification to the Champions League.
With all of that in mind, it is easy to say that Tottenham’s Europa League victory ensures they emerge as the victors of this North London debate.
Who had the better season – Tottenham or Arsenal? Let us know below!
