Arsenal Ends 22-Year Wait to Claim Premier League Crown Again

Arsenal ended their long wait for a Premier League title, securing their first championship since the legendary Invincibles season. After finishing second three years in a row, Mikel Arteta's squad clinched the 14th league crown when Manchester City drew 1-1 at Bournemouth on May 19.

The Gunners led most of the 2022/23 campaign but lost ground near the end, ending five points behind a dominant City side that completed a historic treble. In the offseason, Arsenal invested heavily in new talent, aiming for another title push in 2023/24. They pushed the race to the very last day against City but came up short again.

Hopes rose for 2024/25 as City struggled, but Liverpool claimed the trophy while Arsenal faltered late. This time, in 2025/26, Arsenal finally secured the championship. It was a tough journey, but no one in North London minded the challenges faced.

The Last Title Before 2025/26: The Invincibles

Arsenal's previous Premier League win was 22 years earlier in the 2003/04 season. That team became famous as The Invincibles, completing the season unbeaten with 90 points from 38 matches under the guidance of Arsene Wenger.

Key wins included a 2-1 triumph at Liverpool and two victories over title rivals Chelsea. One of the most memorable moments came during a goalless draw at Manchester United, dubbed the "Battle of Old Trafford," which featured intense clashes and disciplinary issues. Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira was sent off, while United missed a late penalty. A melee erupted after the final whistle, leading to charges against players from both sides. This match symbolized the waning dominance of United and fueled Arsenal’s unbeaten run.

That season remains iconic in Premier League history, with Wenger's team never looking back after securing the title.

Arsenal's Performance Since the Invincibles Season

From 2004/05 through 2015/16, Arsenal regularly qualified for the Champions League and mostly finished in the top four under Wenger but rarely mounted serious title challenges until recently.

The journey back to the top culminated in the recent success under Arteta, marking a return to the pinnacle of English football.

Arsenal's League Finishes Since 2003/04

• 2004/05: 2nd place, 12 points behind first
• 2005/06: 4th, 24 points behind
• 2006/07: 4th, 21 points behind
• 2007/08: 3rd, 4 points behind
• 2008/09: 4th, 18 points behind
• 2009/10: 3rd, 11 points behind
• 2010/11: 4th, 12 points behind
• 2011/12: 3rd, 19 points behind
• 2012/13: 4th, 16 points behind
• 2013/14: 4th, 7 points behind
• 2014/15: 3rd, 12 points behind
• 2015/16: 2nd, 10 points behind
• 2016/17: 5th, 18 points behind
• 2017/18: 6th, 37 points behind
• 2018/19: 5th, 28 points behind
• 2019/20: 8th, 43 points behind
• 2020/21: 8th, 25 points behind
• 2021/22: 5th, 24 points behind
• 2022/23: 2nd, 5 points behind
• 2023/24: 2nd, 2 points behind
• 2024/25: 2nd, 10 points behind
• 2025/26: 1st place