For three consecutive seasons, Arsenal finished second in the league, each time falling short against Pep Guardiola’s relentless Manchester City side. Many critics questioned whether Mikel Arteta’s team had the mentality to finally cross the finish line. This season, however, Arsenal have responded with resilience, consistency, and belief.
The club last won the Premier League in 2004 under Arsène Wenger during the legendary “Invincibles” campaign, where Arsenal completed the season unbeaten. Since then, Arsenal fans have endured nearly two decades of disappointment while watching rivals dominate English football. Managers came and went, star players left, and the club struggled to return to the elite level expected at the Emirates Stadium.
Now, under Mikel Arteta, everything appears to be changing.
Arteta’s journey makes this story even more emotional. The Spanish coach once served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, learning under one of football’s greatest managers. Guardiola played a crucial role in shaping Arteta’s coaching philosophy and tactical understanding. If Arsenal go on to win the league, Arteta would achieve one of football’s most symbolic victories by defeating his former mentor in the biggest title race in England.
Interestingly, Arsenal have spent most of the season at the top of the table, showing remarkable consistency despite injuries and pressure from Manchester City. At one point earlier in the campaign, City overtook Arsenal after a narrow victory over Burnley, but the Gunners refused to collapse and fought their way back to the summit.
Another major factor behind Arsenal’s success has been the development of young stars. Bukayo Saka continues to prove why he is regarded as one of the best young players in world football, while captain Martin Ødegaard has led the team with creativity and composure. Defensive partnership William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães has also become one of the strongest centre-back pairings in Europe, giving Arsenal the stability needed to compete for trophies.
Kai Havertz, who faced criticism earlier in the season after joining from Chelsea, has turned into one of Arsenal’s most important players during the title run-in. His winning goal against Burnley could become one of the defining moments of the season.
Several Arsenal players have also been nominated for major individual awards this season, highlighting the club’s dominance across the campaign. Arteta himself is strongly tipped for Manager of the Season after transforming Arsenal into serious title contenders once again.
What makes this title race even more dramatic is that Manchester City still have two difficult matches remaining, including a clash against an in-form Bournemouth side chasing European qualification. Guardiola himself admitted the challenge would not be easy.
Beyond statistics and tactics, Arsenal’s biggest strength this season has been mentality. In previous years, pressure seemed to break the team during the final stretch of the campaign. This time, however, the players appear calmer, more mature, and mentally stronger. Arteta recently described his squad as being in a “really good emotional state” as they approach the final moments of the season.
The atmosphere around the Emirates Stadium has also become special again. Fans who waited decades to see Arsenal return to the top are now daring to believe. Chants, celebrations, and emotional scenes have followed every victory as supporters dream of witnessing one of the club’s greatest achievements in modern football.
Should Arsenal complete the job, it would not only end a 22-year title drought but also mark the beginning of a new era under Arteta. It would prove that patience, long-term planning, and trust in young talent can still succeed in modern football.
For Arsenal supporters around the world, one final push remains. After years of suffering and coming close, the dream of bringing the Premier League trophy back to North London is now closer than ever before.