Enjoying a strong start to the campaign while rivals around them stutter, there are reasons to believe the 2025/26 season could be the one when Arsenal finally end their wait for a Premier League crown.
Last crowned champions of England in 2004, it’s been a long wait for the Arsenal faithful but, having been the nearly men of the Premier League in recent years, there are signs this could be the year for the Gunners.
Defensive Foundation There Once Again
The key to Arsenal’s recent success has been their impressive defensive record under manager Mikel Arteta, and they have enjoyed another strong start at the back this term. Arsenal, who are 10/11 with betting in the UK to win the Premier League title this season, conceded just three goals in their first seven games of the top-flight campaign. The Gunners, who are 6/1 in sport betting tips to win the UEFA Champions League, have also made a strong start in Europe, winning their opening two games in the continent’s elite club competition. Not conceding a single goal in those matches against Athletic Bilbao and Olympiacos, Arsenal’s defensive strength has featured prominently in Europe as well as domestically.
With experienced keeper David Raya between the sticks, the Gunners have one of the best shot-stoppers in the Premier League, while centre-back Gabriel is a rock at the heart of defence. Both Raya and Gabriel have been consistent performers for Arteta since their respective arrivals at the Emirates Stadium and that foundation at the back is something the Gunners have been looking to build on further up the field.
Gyökeres Could Be the Final Piece of the Puzzle
While it might take new striker Viktor Gyökeres time to settle into his new surroundings at Arsenal, there’s little doubt about the forward’s goalscoring talents. A player who dominated in the Portuguese top flight during his time at Sporting CP, the Swede attracted big clubs from across Europe before making the decision to join the Gunners. Three goals in his first seven Premier League appearances might not be the most outstanding numbers but Gyökeres is at least off the mark, and the more games he gets with his Arsenal teammates, the better the Scandinavian star will become.
In manager Arteta, Gyökeres has a coach who clearly believes in his abilities and is willing to give the new arrival the time he needs to adapt. Looking back to the last Arsenal side to win the Premier League title over 20 years ago, there was another attacking player who required a little time before flourishing in north London. A certain Thierry Henry perhaps underwhelmed following his move to Highbury at first, before going on to be arguably the greatest player to wear the famous red and white shirt. Of course, Gyökeres has some way to go before being mentioned in the same breath as Henry, but knowing that sometimes time is needed before a player can flourish is worth remembering.
Arteta will know this and, with a star striker on the books and a rock-solid defence, perhaps this can finally be the season Arsenal get their hands on the English crown.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
