Analysis: Key factors behind Arsenal’s Premier League triumph
By Joel Masibo, May 28, 2026Arsenal’s 2025/26 campaign will go down as one of the club’s most memorable seasons after ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League crown.
The Gunners wrapped up the season with 85 points, with captain Martin Odegaard eventually lifting the trophy after the final-day clash at Selhurst Park. Throughout the season, Mikel Arteta’s men demonstrated consistency, tactical intelligence and resilience that ultimately separated them from the rest of the division.
Dominating title race
Arsenal spent the majority of the season leading the standings and showed greater composure than in previous campaigns when handling the pressure of being title contenders. They occupied top spot for 238 days overall, including a remarkable run of 200 straight days between October 2025 and April 2026.
Another major strength was their ability to control matches after taking the lead. Arsenal won 24 of the 27 league matches in which they opened the scoring and suffered only one defeat from those games, highlighting their maturity in seeing out results that also helped Mikel Arteta bag Premier League’s manager of the season award.
Tactical flexibility
A noticeable difference this season was Arteta’s willingness to adjust his tactical setup depending on opponents and player availability.
While Arsenal relied heavily on a 4-3-3 formation in previous years, the 2025/26 season saw them frequently alternate between that shape and a 4-2-3-1 system. The arrival of Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze gave the manager more tactical options, particularly with Declan Rice operating deeper alongside Zubimendi in midfield.
The adaptability of the squad made Arsenal less predictable and allowed them to tailor their approach for different matches.
Defensive excellence
Arsenal’s defensive structure proved to be the strongest in the league. The spine made up of David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Declan Rice played a huge role in limiting opponents’ opportunities.
The team’s aggressive but disciplined pressing style also contributed greatly to their success, with only Brighton regaining possession in the attacking third more often.
Raya enjoyed his best campaign in goal, recording 19 clean sheets while facing fewer shots on target than any other goalkeeper in the division. Arsenal conceded just 27 goals all season, comfortably outperforming every other side defensively.
Their organization without the ball was exceptional, with several opponents failing to register even a single shot on target against them.
Outstanding individual performances
Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres made an immediate impact in attack, finishing as Arsenal’s top league scorer with 14 goals. His efficiency in front of goal ranked among the best in the Premier League.
Declan Rice continued to show his importance across all areas of the pitch. He led Arsenal in both chances created and possession recoveries, underlining his influence offensively and defensively.
Bukayo Saka was another standout performer, excelling with his creativity, dribbling and pressing high up the field. Gabriel Magalhaes also impressed with his defensive contributions, leading the squad in blocks.
Deadly from set pieces
One of Arsenal’s most dangerous weapons this season was their effectiveness from corners and free-kicks.
The Gunners scored a record 19 Premier League goals from corners, the highest total ever recorded in a single campaign. Their physical presence and aerial dominance made them a constant threat inside the penalty area.
At the other end of the pitch, Arsenal were equally impressive when defending set pieces, conceding only seven goals from such situations throughout the league season.
Arteta’s side also displayed outstanding discipline. Arsenal became the first club in Premier League history to complete a season without conceding a penalty or receiving a red card.
Their controlled defensive shape prevented opponents from exploiting counterattacks, with the team allowing only one goal from a fast break all season.
Improved squad depth proved crucial in Arsenal’s successful title push. The additions made during the transfer window gave Arteta the freedom to rotate players without significantly weakening the team.
Substitutes made a major contribution, combining for 23 goals and assists during the campaign. Arsenal’s strength from the bench often allowed them to dominate matches after halftime, where they recorded the league’s best second-half goal difference.
The balance, unity and consistency within the squad ultimately helped Arsenal secure the Premier League title by seven points and cap off a historic campaign.