Why do so many people want Arsenal to fail?

The leaders haven’t won the title in more than 20 years. Yet very few neutrals are excited about seeing them as new champions

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ahead of the Emirates FA Cup fifth round match at One Call Stadium, Mansfield. Picture date: Saturday March 7, 2026.

What was striking after Arsenal’s grim 1-0 win at Brighton last Wednesday was less Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler’s attack on the Gunners’ style than the way his criticism seemed to resonate. In England, it feels as though almost nobody, other than Arsenal supporters or anyone-but-City fans, wants them to win the title.

“If I would ask everyone in the room: ‘Did you really enjoy this football game?’ I’m sure maybe one raises his arm because he’s a big Arsenal fan but, besides that, no chance,” Hürzeler said.