Understanding the Wait
To understand how big Arsenal‘s 2025/26 Premier League title is, you need to understand the wait that preceded it.
The last time Arsenal won the league was 2003/04 — the season of “The Invincibles,” when they went the entire season without losing a single game. Thierry Henry was at his peak. Patrick Vieira commanded the midfield. It felt, at the time, like the beginning of a new dominant era for Arsenal.
What followed was 22 years of near-misses, frustration and heartbreak. Manchester United dominated for a decade. Then Manchester City dominated for another decade. Arsenal were good, often brilliant — but always somehow not quite good enough. They finished second three consecutive times under Mikel Arteta before this season.
“Second again, ole ole” became the ironic chant from Arsenal‘s own fans at the end of their last home game the season before — equal parts self-deprecating and genuinely painful. That chant became fuel.
How They Did It
Arteta’s Arsenal went into 2025/26 transformed by key signings. Martin Zubimendi — the Spanish defensive midfielder — gave the team the control and composure it had lacked in previous seasons. Eberechi Eze brought creativity and goals. Viktor Gyokeres provided a physical striker option that changed how opponents had to defend.
Most importantly, they built the best defensive record in the Premier League — conceding fewer goals than any side since Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in the mid-2000s. Goalkeeper David Raya won the Golden Glove (awarded to the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets) for a third consecutive season.
They were confirmed as champions when Manchester City drew at Bournemouth in Matchweek 37 — a result that mathematically ended City’s hopes. Arsenal lifted the trophy on the final day after beating Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park.
And Then the Champions League Heartbreak
Winning the league and reaching the Champions League final in the same season is an extraordinary achievement. Arsenal did both — and then lost the final on penalties to PSG.
Kai Havertz gave them the lead after six minutes. Dembele equalised from the penalty spot. Gabriel missed the decisive penalty in the shootout, blasting it over the bar. Arsenal have still never won the Champions League. The wait goes on.
But this was still — by some distance — Arsenal‘s greatest season in 22 years. The title belongs to them. And the Champions League heartbreak only adds to their story: a club always capable of greatness, always finding a new way to break your heart. Arsenal fans would not have it any other way.
