After suffering the heartbreak of three successive runner-up finishes, Mikel Arteta’s side have climbed the final step and reclaimed the Premier League crown for the first time in 22 years, holding off relentless pressure from Manchester City in one of the most dramatic title races in recent memory.
What once looked like another season of “what ifs” slowly transformed into a campaign built on resilience, squad depth, late drama and moments that defined champions.
“This team never stopped believing,” Arteta said during the celebrations. “We suffered together, we grew together, and now we deserve to enjoy this moment.”
Summer Spending Changed Everything
Arsenal entered the season knowing sentiment alone would not be enough to dethrone City. Lessons from previous campaigns were clear — quality depth wins titles.
The club responded aggressively in the transfer market.
Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres arrived from Sporting CP in a £64 million move that finally gave Arsenal the clinical number nine supporters had demanded for years. Martin Zubimendi added calmness and intelligence in midfield, while Piero Hincapie strengthened the backline on loan from Bayer Leverkusen.
The arrivals of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze from Chelsea and Crystal Palace added creativity, unpredictability and much-needed attacking depth.
More than £250 million was invested, a figure heavily debated at the time. Months later, it looks fully justified.
Arsenal are now Premier League champions and still have a Champions League final ahead of them.
The Moment Arsenal Refused to Break
One of the earliest signs that this season would be different arrived in September against Manchester City.
Trailing late at the Etihad after Erling Haaland’s opener, Arsenal looked destined for another damaging defeat against Pep Guardiola’s side. City had dropped deep, defended compactly and appeared comfortable protecting their lead.
Then came stoppage time.
Substitutes Eze and Gabriel Martinelli combined brilliantly before the Brazilian smashed home a dramatic equaliser in the 93rd minute.
At the time, it felt like a valuable point.
Looking back now, it may have been the moment Arsenal truly believed the title race could swing in their favour.
“That goal changed the mood around the squad,” one Arsenal staff member reportedly said afterward. “It felt like we could go toe-to-toe with anyone.”
St James’ Park Heartbreak Turned Into Bedlam
A week later, Arsenal survived another major test.
Trips to Newcastle had become a nightmare fixture under Arteta. Three straight defeats, no goals scored, and an atmosphere that consistently overwhelmed them.
When Newcastle took the lead through Nick Woltemade, fears of another collapse resurfaced. Arsenal even had a penalty overturned after a lengthy VAR review, adding to the frustration.
But champions find answers.
Mikel Merino powered home an equaliser in the 84th minute before Gabriel rose highest deep into stoppage time to complete an unforgettable comeback.
The away end erupted.
Players sprinted across the pitch. Coaches embraced on the touchline. Arsenal suddenly looked emotionally stronger than in previous years.
Eberechi Eze Announces Himself in North London Derby
By November, Arsenal were flying.
An extraordinary run of form — including eight consecutive clean sheets — had taken them top of the table heading into the North London Derby.
With Manchester City slipping up elsewhere, Arsenal knew victory over Tottenham would open a significant gap.
They delivered emphatically.
Leading 2-0 at half-time, Arsenal struck again seconds after the restart before Richarlison briefly threatened a comeback for Spurs.
The night ultimately belonged to Eberechi Eze.
The England midfielder produced a sensational display and completed his first senior hat-trick to seal a statement victory that sent Arsenal six points clear.
“What a player,” former Arsenal defender Martin Keown said on commentary. “This is why Arteta fought so hard to bring him here.”
Manchester City’s Collapse Opened the Door
Even during Arsenal’s strong form, City remained close enough to strike.
But the new year brought a shocking collapse from Guardiola’s side.
Dropped points against Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton left City scrambling for consistency, while a painful Manchester derby defeat at Old Trafford exposed growing fragility within the squad.
By then, Arsenal had built momentum and confidence.
For the first time in years, City looked vulnerable.
Gabriel’s Escape Became a Turning Point
The title race remained tense into April.
A heavyweight clash at the Etihad carried enormous consequences, and City edged the contest thanks to another decisive Haaland goal.
Yet one controversial moment may have influenced the rest of the season more than the result itself.
Late in the match, tensions exploded between Haaland and Gabriel after an intense physical battle throughout the game. The pair went forehead-to-forehead before Gabriel appeared to thrust his head forward.
Many expected a red card.
Instead, the Arsenal defender escaped punishment after Haaland stayed on his feet during the confrontation.
Had Gabriel been sent off for violent conduct, he would likely have missed Arsenal’s next three matches — a potentially devastating blow during the title run-in.
Everton Blow Changed the Momentum Again
As the season neared its climax, Manchester City briefly reclaimed top spot on goal difference and looked ready to pile pressure back onto Arsenal.
Then came an astonishing collapse at Everton.
City led comfortably through Jeremy Doku and appeared in complete control before a disastrous mistake from Marc Guehi shifted everything.
An under-hit backpass allowed Everton to equalise, igniting chaos inside the stadium. David Moyes’ side suddenly smelled blood and scored three goals in a blistering 13-minute spell.
Although City salvaged a dramatic 3-3 draw late on, the damage had been done.
Arsenal regained control of the title race.
Raya’s Save That Saved the Season
Every title-winning campaign has defining moments. For Arsenal, David Raya may have produced theirs against West Ham.
Locked at 0-0 late in the match, Matheus Fernandes found himself six yards from goal with a clear sight of the net.
Raya reacted instinctively.
The goalkeeper stretched out his right leg to produce a remarkable point-blank save that preserved Arsenal’s hopes.
Minutes later, Leandro Trossard fired Arsenal ahead.
West Ham thought they had rescued a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser when Callum Wilson smashed home from a crowded corner, only for VAR to intervene after officials ruled Raya had been fouled in the build-up.
The decision sparked fury inside the stadium.
But Arsenal survived.
And now, after two decades of waiting, they are champions once again.