Arsenal Finally Win Something – And It's Absolutely Embarrassing

By Lewis Barnett 2 July, 2025 4 mins read 45 Views

God, where do I even start with this one.

Arsenal have managed to claim their first "title" in years, and it's for spending £35 million on players who couldn't even make it onto the pitch. Yes, you read that right – they've officially won the award for paying the most wages to injured players in the Premier League last season. My mate Dave (lifelong Gunners fan) texted me this morning: "At least we're top of something." Poor guy.

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The Usual Suspects Were All Crocked

The injury list reads like Arsenal's starting XI on a good day. Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Declan Rice, and Oleksandr Zinchenko all spent significant time in the treatment room. That's basically half their squad earning full wages while watching Netflix at home.

Footy Accumulators did the dirty work here – they went through Transfermarkt for injury data and Capology for wages, then did the math that probably made Arsenal's accountants cry into their morning coffee.

City Almost Caught Them (Of Course They Did)

Manchester City came in second with £33 million – because even when they're not trying, they're still competitive. United managed £25 million, which honestly feels low considering how often I see their players limping off the pitch on Match of teh Day.

Tottenham hit £18 million (though they actually won something last season, which must sting for Arsenal fans), Chelsea £17 million, Brighton £14 million, and Newcastle £13 million. At least Newcastle have an excuse – half their squad is held together with duct tape and hope.

Liverpool Laughing All the Way to the Title

Here's the kicker – Premier League champions Liverpool only paid £12 million to injured players. That's less than half of what Arsenal shelled out, and they actually won the thing that matters.

Aston Villa managed £10 million, Everton £9 million. Even Everton, who've been a walking disaster for years, spent less on crocked players than Arsenal did.

Fan Reaction: Pure Pain

Arsenal fan Craig Burke summed it up perfectly: "We've won nothing since 2020, and to make it even worse, Spurs won a trophy — that really sticks in the craw." The man continued his misery tour by adding they've essentially paid £35 million for players to "sit about doing nothing."

Honestly, I felt bad for him until he said he's hoping they'll be "fresh as daisies" for the new season. That's the kind of optimism that gets you hurt, Craig.

The Footy Accumulators spokesman called the sums "staggering," which feels like an understatement. When you're paying more in injury wages than some clubs spend on actual transfers, you might want to have a word with your medical team.

Back in 2018, I remember thinking Arsenal's injury problems were bad. Turns out that was just the warm-up act.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are shinguards compulsory for footballers?

Shin guards, which protect the lower legs against injury during collisions and tackles, are an essential piece of football equipment. They help in safeguarding the shins from serious injuries like fractures or severe bruising. The football governing bodies enforce the wearing of shinguards to ensure player safety.

Is it mandatory to wear football specific clothing, or am I allowed to wear any athletic wear?

Although you can technically play football with any athletic clothing, it is recommended that you wear football-specific apparel as they are designed to improve performance and comfort. Jerseys and shorts are usually made of lightweight, breathable materials that allow for optimal airflow, reducing overheating and sweat build-up. Fit is tailored to allow for a full range motion. This can help improve agility and reaction times.

What are the essential pieces of equipment needed for playing football?

The basic football equipment includes the following: a jersey or t-shirt, shorts (or shin guards), stockings, football boots or cleats. Goalkeepers require special gloves and sometimes even padded clothing in order to protect themselves during dives or jumps. To maintain safety and to comply with rules, it's important that players wear the right clothing.

What are the best gloves to protect and grip goalkeepers?

Gloves with latex palms offer the best grip in a variety of playing conditions. The thickness and density of the latex can vary to balance grip and durability. Gloves that have finger protection systems (including spines and stiffening materials) can help prevent hyperextension of the fingers. It is important that the gloves are comfortable and fit properly to ensure that goalkeepers can perform at their highest level.

Can the selection of socks influence a soccer player's performances?

Absolutely. Football socks protect and support the player's foot during intense play. They keep the shinguards in place and prevent blisters through friction reduction. They also cushion the feet. Good football socks will improve a players comfort which will in turn affect their performance.

Statistics

Research has indicated that around 60% of football-related ankle injuries could be mitigated with the correct choice of footwear.
Goalkeeper gloves with advanced grip technology have been adopted by 85% of professional goalkeepers in top leagues around the world.
Approximately 40% of amateur football players wear boots that are not properly fitted, increasing the risk of foot injuries.
Over 90% of professional football players wear boots with synthetic uppers for better performance and durability.
Studies show that the proper use of shin guards can reduce the risk of injuries in football players by up to 70%.

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How To

How To Determine the Right Size and Fit for Your Football Cleats

For maximum performance and comfort, it is vital to get football cleats which fit properly. The cleats should have a space of about a thumb-width between the longest toe of your foot and the cleat's end. They should fit snugly on the midfoot and have little or no movement at the heels. The cleat's upper portion should be snug enough to make you feel secure but flexible enough for your foot to move naturally. For a perfect fit, try on cleats and socks that will be worn in matches.