After more than two decades of waiting, Arsenal ended their Premier League title drought in May 2026 — and now the Gunners must answer a far harder question: can they do it again?

A Champions League final defeat to PSG on penalties could not diminish the joy of a first league title in over 20 years. Yet that triumph has fundamentally changed Arsenal's position in English football. Mikel Arteta is no longer the ambitious challenger building something new — he is the defending champion, the man every rival wants to topple.

Arteta remains the longest-serving manager among England's top four divisions, and with new coaches installed at every other so-called Big Six club since last season, the Spaniard stands alone as the experienced hand at the wheel. The pressure has not disappeared; it has simply changed shape.

The coach

For several years, Arteta asked supporters to trust the process. Having finally delivered a league title, he has stepped out of Pep Guardiola's shadow and cemented his standing at the Emirates. The question now is whether he can build a dynasty — something that even George Graham and Arsene Wenger, for all their achievements, could not manage.

Key player

Declan Rice has emerged as the defining figure of Arteta's evolved, physically dominant system. The 27-year-old midfielder offers consistency, leadership, and an all-round game that makes him the heartbeat of this side. Should Martin Odegaard ever depart, Rice is the obvious candidate to take the captain's armband.

Top scorer

Viktor Gyokeres hit 21 goals in all competitions during his first Arsenal season, having joined from Sporting Lisbon last summer. The Sweden international had threatened to win the European Golden Boot in Portugal and transferred his form smoothly to the Premier League. With Arteta's continued confidence, another 20-plus goal campaign looks well within reach.

Last season's results

Arsenal were Premier League champions, reached the FA Cup quarter-final before losing to Southampton 2-1, finished as League Cup runners-up after a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, and lost the Champions League final to PSG 1-1 on the night, 4-3 on penalties.

Lessons from last season

Arsenal's league run-in was defined by nervy 1-0 wins over mid-table opposition, with Arteta's squad clinging to leads rather than extending them. Contrast that with their Champions League campaign, played with less weight on their shoulders, where they attacked freely all the way to the final. Now that the title monkey is off their back, the Gunners may express themselves with greater freedom.

Reasons to be optimistic

David Raya, William Saliba, and Gabriel form the most formidable defensive unit in the division. Beyond that, the returns of Bukayo Saka, Odegaard, and Kai Havertz from injury could prove just as impactful as any summer signing. Arteta has depth, tactical continuity, and a squad that knows how to win.

View from the stands

Supporter and writer Tim Stillman described last season as a grind with a beautiful ending. His view for 2026-27 is optimistic: with the burden of expectation lifted, Arsenal should no longer feel as though every match is a bomb-disposal exercise. He identifies Saka — if fit — as the key man, and points to 71 league goals as a tally that must improve. His most-wanted signing? PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

FourFourTwo verdict

Defending a title is harder than winning one, but Arsenal's depth, coaching stability, and individual quality make them favourites to go back-to-back. FourFourTwo predicts Arsenal to finish 1st in the 2026-27 Premier League — at odds of 13/10.