MaplePitch Logo

Arsenal Ends 22-Year Premier League Title Drought with 2025/26 Triumph

Arsenal has finally captured their 14th Premier League title, ending a 22-year wait. Mikel Arteta's squad secured the championship following Manchester City's 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on May 19.

The Gunners led the league most of the 2022/23 season but slipped late to finish five points behind a dominant City team that completed an historic treble. Arsenal invested heavily in star players during the offseason to mount a new title challenge in 2023/24, pushing the race to the final day once again against City.

In 2024/25, it seemed their time might come as City faltered, yet Liverpool surged ahead to win the title while Arsenal could not maintain their momentum. This season, 2025/26, Arsenal finally succeeded despite a tough campaign that felt exhausting at times, but fans in North London will hardly mind.

Looking Back: Arsenal's Previous Premier League Title

The last time Arsenal won the Premier League before this was in the 2003/04 season, 22 years ago. That team made history by finishing the entire 38-game season unbeaten, collecting 90 points. Known as 'The Invincibles,' this squad under Arsène Wenger is often considered one of the best in Premier League history.

During that remarkable season, Arsenal won key matches including a 2-1 victory at Liverpool and twice defeating London rivals Chelsea, their closest competitors. One of the most famous moments came in a 0-0 draw away at Manchester United in September 2003, dubbed the 'Battle of Old Trafford.' The match featured intense confrontations, with captain Patrick Vieira sent off and Ruud van Nistelrooy missing a last-minute penalty. Martin Keown's celebration sparked a melee after the final whistle, leading to eight players being charged for improper conduct by the FA.

This result symbolized Manchester United's waning dominance and helped fuel Arsenal’s unbeaten run, while United finished third that season. Wenger’s side never looked back.

Arsenal’s Performance Since the Invincibles Season

Following the 2003/04 unbeaten campaign, Arsenal consistently finished in the top four from 2004/05 through 2015/16, securing Champions League football each year. Yet, they rarely mounted serious title challenges until the 2022/23 season.

Here’s a look at Arsenal’s league finishes and their points gap from first place since 2003/04:

  • 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

Related News