Arsenal Ends 22-Year Premier League Title Drought Under Arteta
Arsenal finally broke their 22-year wait for a 14th Premier League crown. After three straight seasons finishing second, Mikel Arteta and his squad clinched the title following Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on May 19.
The Gunners dominated much of the 2022/23 season but slipped in the closing weeks, ending five points behind City, who completed a historic treble. Arsenal invested heavily during the offseason to strengthen their squad for the 2023/24 campaign, pushing the title race to the final day once more against City.
In 2024/25, many believed this could be Arsenal’s year as City faltered, yet Liverpool surged ahead to claim the championship while Arsenal fell short.
This season, Arsenal finally delivered. The journey felt tough at times, but no one in North London will mind.
Looking Back: Arsenal's Last Premier League Win Before 2025/26
The previous time Arsenal lifted the league trophy was in the 2003/04 season, 22 years ago. That team made history by earning 90 points without losing a single match — a feat known as 'The Invincibles'. Many consider that squad, led by Arsene Wenger, as one of the greatest in Premier League history.
During that season, Arsenal secured key wins, including a 2-1 triumph over Liverpool at Anfield and two victories against London rivals Chelsea, their closest challengers for the title.
One unforgettable match was the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford in September 2003, dubbed the 'Battle of Old Trafford.' The game was marked by numerous on-field scuffles. Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira was sent off with 13 minutes remaining, and Manchester United’s Ruud Van Nistelrooy missed a last-minute penalty. Martin Keown celebrated provocatively in front of Van Nistelrooy after the miss, sparking a melee at full-time.
The FA charged six Arsenal players and two from United with improper conduct after the game. This match symbolized the decline of United’s dominance and fueled Arsenal’s unbeaten run while United settled for third place.
From there, Arsenal never looked back.
Arsenal's Premier League Performance Since Their Last Title
Between 2004/05 and 2015/16, Arsenal consistently finished in the top four under Wenger, qualifying for the Champions League each season. Yet, they rarely seriously contested the title until the 2022/23 season.
Here is a breakdown of Arsenal’s league positions and points gap from first place each season since their Invincible year:
- 2004/05: 2nd place, 12 points behind
- 2005/06: 4th place, 24 points behind
- 2006/07: 4th place, 21 points behind
- 2007/08: 3rd place, 4 points behind
- 2008/09: 4th place, 18 points behind
- 2009/10: 3rd place, 11 points behind
- 2010/11: 4th place, 12 points behind
- 2011/12: 3rd place, 19 points behind
- 2012/13: 4th place, 16 points behind
- 2013/14: 4th place, 7 points behind
- 2014/15: 3rd place, 12 points behind
- 2015/16: 2nd place, 10 points behind
- 2016/17: 5th place, 18 points behind
- 2017/18: 6th place, 37 points behind
- 2018/19: 5th place, 28 points behind
- 2019/20: 8th place, 43 points behind
- 2020/21: 8th place, 25 points behind
- 2021/22: 5th place, 24 points behind
- 2022/23: 2nd place, 5 points behind
- 2023/24: 2nd place, 2 points behind
- 2024/25: 2nd place, 10 points behind
- 2025/26: 1st place
