Arsenal have finally ended their long wait for a Premier League title, with Mikel Arteta's side clinching the crown after three consecutive runners-up finishes. The triumph rewards the faith shown by the club's hierarchy in the rookie manager, who arrived in December 2019 tasked with restoring former glories. After a disastrous April that saw four domestic defeats, including two losses to Manchester City, Arsenal held their nerve to secure the title.
Arteta's meticulous approach included a unique motivational tool: an olive tree representing the club's roots and culture. He spent his first three months speaking to staff across the club, asking them to define what it means to work for Arsenal. The tree, dating back to the club's founding in 1886, symbolised the need for constant care and resilience. 'It's easy when the sun is out,' Arteta said, 'but when it gets windy and frozen, how do we look after that?'
The manager's authority was established in December 2021 when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was jettisoned after repeated indiscretions. Since then, American owners Stan and Josh Kroenke have trusted Arteta to build a squad in his image. A youthful side, invigorated by academy product Bukayo Saka, surprised many by finishing second in 2023, despite spending a record 248 days top before being overhauled by Manchester City.
Boardroom resolve was strengthened after further runners-up finishes in 2024 and 2025. The appointment of Andrea Berta as sporting director last March proved pivotal, with the Italian helping assemble a squad capable of withstanding injuries. Key summer signings included Eberechi Eze for £67.5 million and Viktor Gyökeres for £64 million, part of a £250 million outlay on eight arrivals.
A defence that has largely remained together for three seasons formed the bedrock of Arsenal's title challenge. After a narrow defeat to Liverpool in August, Arsenal conceded just two goals in their next seven league games and matched a club record of eight successive clean sheets. Their ability to respond to setbacks, such as a last-minute defeat to Aston Villa in December, underpinned the campaign.
