Arsenal 2025-26 season review — have they finally won the Premier League under Arteta

Published 2026-03-17

The Invincibles 2.0… Almost.

The Emirates faithful finally got what they craved, but not without the customary cardiac arrest. Arsenal, in a season that felt like a fever dream of near-misses and last-gasp heroics, lifted the Premier League trophy in May 2026. Mikel Arteta, once the poster boy for ‘trusting the process,’ now stands immortalized in North London, a tactical savant who finally cracked the code. It wasn't pretty, not always, but it was effective. They finished with 89 points, a single point ahead of a resurgent Manchester United side who, under their new Portuguese manager, pushed them to the absolute brink. The goal difference, a paltry +45 compared to United’s +58, tells a story of grinding out results rather than blowing teams away. This wasn't the free-flowing, attacking juggernaut some predicted; it was a disciplined, resilient machine.

Saka's Golden Boot and Rice's Iron Grip

Bukayo Saka, the Hale End starboy, delivered his magnum opus. He bagged 22 league goals, securing the Golden Boot and cementing his place as one of the world's elite wingers. His penalty against Chelsea in April, a cool finish under immense pressure, felt like the turning point. He wasn't just scoring; he was carrying the creative and goalscoring burden with a maturity beyond his years. Declan Rice, the £105 million man, finally looked every bit worth the exorbitant fee. He played every single minute of the league campaign, proof of his fitness and importance. His ability to break up play, dictate tempo, and occasionally pop up with a crucial late winner (like against Fulham in December) was the engine room that powered this title charge. He made 125 tackles, the highest in the league, shutting down opposition attacks with ruthless efficiency.

The Havertz Conundrum and Timber's Redemption

Kai Havertz, after two seasons of flashes and frustration, found his niche as a roaming false nine. While not prolific (he managed only 9 league goals), his link-up play and ability to drag defenders out of position created space for Saka and Martinelli. It wasn’t the dominant striker performance many expected, but it was a vital cog in Arteta’s tactical puzzle, proving that sometimes, you just need to be patient. Jurrien Timber, after two seasons blighted by injury, finally got a consistent run in the team. Playing primarily at right-back, he provided defensive solidity and an unexpected attacking thrust. His overlapping runs and intelligent passing were a welcome addition, proving to be a genuine upgrade on Ben White in the latter half of the season. His redemption arc was one of the quieter, yet more heartwarming, storylines of the campaign.

Arteta's Tactical Masterclass (and Stubbornness)

Arteta, for all his tactical acumen, still showed a stubborn streak. His insistence on playing out from the back, even when under intense pressure, led to some heart-stopping moments and a few conceded goals that could have been avoided. However, his faith in his system and his players ultimately paid dividends. He managed the squad expertly, rotating when necessary and getting vital contributions from squad players like Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson, who chipped in with crucial goals from the bench. The biggest takeaway from this season isn't just the trophy, it's the sheer mental fortitude Arsenal displayed. They lost back-to-back games in February, a moment many predicted would derail their challenge, but they bounced back with an eight-game winning streak. This wasn't the Arsenal of old, collapsing under pressure. This was a team forged in the fires of past failures, finally ready to seize their moment. **Bold Prediction:** Bukayo Saka will win the Ballon d'Or within the next three seasons, and Arsenal will finally break their Champions League quarter-final curse next year.