- Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions for the 2025/26 season after Manchester City dropped points against Bournemouth
- Arsenal finished with 82 points, ending a 22-year league title drought under manager Mikel Arteta
- Former manager Arsène Wenger and pundit Alan Smith praised the team’s resilience and defensive strength
Arsenal have been crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years, sealing the 2025/26 title after Manchester City were held to a 1–1 draw away at Bournemouth.
The result confirmed the Gunners’ position at the top of the table, ending a long wait for league glory that dates back to their famous “Invincibles” season in 2003/04. It also marks the club’s first major trophy in six years and represents a significant milestone in the tenure of manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal had led the Premier League standings for much of the campaign, although their title challenge appeared to waver in April following a 2–1 defeat to Manchester City. That result temporarily swung momentum in City’s favour and raised doubts over Arsenal’s ability to maintain their lead.
However, Arteta’s side responded strongly, regaining consistency and holding off the reigning champions in the closing stages of the season to secure the title with a game to spare.
Table-topping consistency secures title
Across 37 matches, Arsenal recorded 25 wins, seven draws and five defeats, finishing with 82 points and a +43 goal difference. Manchester City ended the season in second place with 78 points, narrowly missing out on yet another league triumph.
Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool completed the top five, while Bournemouth, Brighton and Chelsea also finished inside the top half of the table after competitive campaigns.
Arsenal’s success has been widely attributed to their defensive strength, tactical discipline and squad depth, even as critics noted that their attack was not the most prolific in the league.
Emotional reactions and celebrations
Following confirmation of the title, Arsenal players and supporters took to social media to celebrate the achievement. Midfielder Declan Rice posted an image of the squad with the caption: “I told you all.. it’s done.”
Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, who guided the club to their last league title in 2004, also sent a message of congratulations, praising the team’s resilience.
“You did it. Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment,” Wenger said.
Former striker Alan Smith described the triumph as “fully deserved,” highlighting the team’s defensive organisation and overall balance under Arteta.
Arteta’s second major trophy
The title marks Mikel Arteta’s second major honour as Arsenal manager and is seen as a validation of his long-term project at the Emirates Stadium. After several near misses in previous seasons, the Gunners have finally delivered a sustained title challenge that culminated in silverware.
There is now further opportunity for success, as Arsenal prepare for the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on May 30. A victory there would complete a historic double and further cement this squad’s place in the club’s modern history.
In pictures: Arsenal players celebrate...
