Is Tottenham's Season Better Than Arsenal's?

For the two North London teams, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, the benchmark for success feels significantly more complex. The achievements of each team alone are not sufficient to measure success in any given season. A good season can quickly turn into a bad one if the neighboring team performs better. The same is true in reverse.

The latest debate arose towards the end of the 2024-2025 season, especially after Tottenham won the Europa League. This major trophy, their first since 2008, drastically changed the fate of "The Lilywhites," who were still in 17th place heading into the final week of the Premier League. Son Heung-min and his teammates forged their own path to success.

On the other hand, Arsenal is having its best season under the management of Mikel Arteta. "The Gunners" finished second in the domestic league and reached the semifinals of the Champions League. However, they ended the season without any titles. So, whose season is better?

Former Arsenal player Paul Merson said, trophies are everything in football. Therefore, Tottenham had a better season even though they only achieved in the second tier of European tournaments. "When you are a big team and you don't win a trophy, it will be a disappointment," he told Sky Sports.

The statement is quite relevant. Trophies have always been a symbol of Arsenal's dilemma lately. Despite finishing as runners-up in the league for three consecutive seasons, Arteta's project has not been considered successful because it is still without a title. The only trophy won by Arteta's team was the FA Cup, five years ago.

A different perspective was given by one of the local British media, The Telegraph, in an article titled “Sorry Tottenham, but trophyless Arsenal had the better season”. According to the writer, Thom Gibbs, Tottenham’s overnight glory is not comparable to the poor results over the past ten months or so.

Moreover, Tottenham's achievements come from a tournament that is classified as "second tier." The competitive level of the tournament has also been increasingly questioned following the format changes this season. Additionally, there are no longer any teams relegated from the Champions League to the Europa League for the first time since the 1999-2000 season.

On the other hand, Arsenal has been able to perform quite consistently in two top-level competitions, namely the English Premier League and the Champions League. They continue the momentum from previous seasons, although it is still not optimal due to a wave of injuries. The results are already very good given the situation of the available squad.

Representatives from both clubs, which are eternal rivals, were also asked similar questions. From Arteta to Tottenham defender Kevin Danso, they were all reluctant to comment extensively. For them, despite their rivalry, Arsenal and Tottenham are separated by a very wide gap.

The gap makes the achievements of the two teams incomparable. The easiest way to prove this is through a simulation of performance exchange. Would Arsenal feel better if they had achievements similar to Tottenham's this season? The opposite question also applies to Tottenham.

Certainly not. Imagine if "The Cannoneers" finished just one rank above the relegation zone in the English League and failed to make a significant impact in the Champions League. Arteta might be dismissed, as the Europa League trophy does not align with the project to restore Arsenal to the pinnacle of competition.

Arsenal is currently required to compete for prestigious trophies at the highest level of competition, not just to win for the sake of winning. This was also expressed by Arteta when asked about the transfer rumors surrounding Real Madrid star forward Rodrygo. The manager provided context regarding the current position and status of his team.

"I do not want to mention the name of the player (who will be brought in), but the biggest issue (regarding this) is that we have elevated this club to a higher position. A position where we must win a major trophy next season. We have demonstrated consistency as an elite team in this country and in Europe," Arteta explained.

The same applies to Tottenham. They would likely be very pleased if they could achieve the accomplishments of their neighboring team this season. However, the team coached by Ange Postecoglou would not be willing to exchange their Europa League trophy. They need a trophy more than anything else, after being haunted by a trophyless curse for nearly two decades.

That achievement is also greatly needed by Postecoglou. The issue of dismissal has repeatedly approached the Australian coach throughout this season. However, he has managed to restore the trust of fans and club officials. He has kept his promise, always able to win something in the second season.

The most sought-after prize for many, aside from the trophy, is a ticket to the Champions League. Arsenal and Tottenham have secured that for the upcoming season. The difference is that Tottenham achieved this through winning the Europa League, which will simultaneously boost the team's confidence. "I believe that the ultimate goal of winning something is more important," said Postecoglou.

In the end, the achievements of Arsenal and Tottenham are what each needs. It is difficult to find a superior one as they have different situational contexts. One thing is certain, their performances are better than that of Manchester United, which has completely failed in all competitions after losing in the Europa League final. (AP/REUTERS)