Arsenal edges Manchester City in the title race and clinches Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.
After Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against AFC Bournemouth with just one matchday remaining in the season, Arsenal have officially clinched the Premier League title. The trophy finally returns to North London for the first time since 2004, the year of the legendary “Invincibles.”
After consecutive seasons of finishing second, Arsenal finally exercised their demons, showing composure and maturity even as Manchester City threatened another late comeback in the title race.
Set-piece Kings
After years of rebuilding, Mikel Arteta constructed one of the league’s most complete squads, anchored by a dominant defensive core. Led by David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel, and Jurrien Timber, Arsenal not only shut down opposing attacks but also became one of the most dangerous aerial teams in Europe.
With elite delivery from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, Arsenal consistently punished opponents from corners and free kicks. Defenders were overwhelmed not only by the quality of the service, but by the sheer number of aerial threats inside the box. Between Saliba, Gabriel, Viktor Gyokeres, and Kai Havertz, the Gunners became relentless in dead-ball situations.
It also helped that Arsenal’s attack excelled at forcing pressure and winning corners, averaging 5.73 corners per game. Give the Gunners that many opportunities, and they will make opponents pay.
‘Bottlers’ No More
The previous Premier League seasons saw Arsenal repeatedly fall short, finishing second behind Manchester City and last season behind Liverpool. Despite having one of the league’s most talented squads, the Gunners were constantly labeled as “bottlers” online after collapsing late in title races.
For years, Arsenal seemed to be their own biggest enemy, losing discipline and composure during the most important parts of the season.
This time, however, things were different. New signings elevated an already elite squad. Players like Eze, Gyokeres, Hincapie, and Calafiori gave Arsenal more depth and versatility across the pitch. The jokes only stop when you finally win the big one and in 2026, Arsenal finally did.
And Mikel Arteta finally gets to lift the Premier League trophy after outlasting his former mentor, Pep Guardiola. A full circle moment as the student became the teacher.
First Since The ‘Invincibles’
It was worth the wait ❤️
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) May 19, 2026
Arsenal win their first Premier League title since the Invincibles' triumph in 2003-04 🤝 pic.twitter.com/K7VlF2XfY0
With more than two decades of near misses, heartbreak, the infamous “banter era,” and everything in between, it tested Arsenal supporters in every possible way. The last time Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy, they were led by Thierry Henry and the iconic Invincibles squad, still the only unbeaten champions in Premier League history.
Arteta’s “set-piece kings” sacrificed some of the free-flowing flair associated with classic Arsenal teams in exchange for defensive solidity and consistency.
And after 22 long years, that trade-off finally brought the Premier League title back to North London.
Banner Images from Premier League on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arsenal last won the Premier League title during the 2003–2004 season under manager Arsène Wenger. That legendary “Invincibles” squad went the entire league campaign undefeated, a feat that remains unmatched in modern English football history.
Mikel Arteta shifted Arsenal’s tactical focus toward defensive solidity and highly efficient set-piece execution over pure attacking flair. Backed by elite aerial threats and precise delivery from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, the Gunners consistently punished opponents during dead-ball situations.
Key summer arrivals including Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Piero Hincapié, and Riccardo Calafiori provided critical depth and tactical flexibility. These signings allowed Mikel Arteta to rotate his squad effectively and maintain high performance levels during the crucial late-season run.
The championship-winning defense was anchored by goalkeeper David Raya alongside a resilient backline featuring William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Jurrien Timber. This core formed the most dominant defensive unit in Europe, neutralizing elite attacks throughout the campaign.
Arsenal pressured opponents into conceding an average of 5.73 corners per game throughout their successful campaign. This high frequency allowed their specialized set-piece routines to become a primary, relentless source of goals.
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