The Premier League title race has taken many twists and turns over the years.
However, since the last time the Premier League title was decorated in the Red and White of the Gunners, Leicester City went from League One to Premier League champions, London rivals Tottenham Hotspur reached the Champions League final, Luton, Bournemouth and Brentford all went from League Two to the Premier League, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have scored more than 1,500 goals combined, and Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham have each had 10+ managers.
Arsenal last lifted the Premier League trophy 21 years ago under Arsene Wenger during the iconic 2003/04 ‘Invincibles’ campaign – and ever since, the entire fanbase has become accustomed to one word – “Almost.”
Arsenal’s Long Road Back to the Premier League Title Race
Since the departure of the legendary French manager in 2018, Arsenal have seen several different coaches bring their own philosophies and ideologies – yet each time, they’ve stumbled when it mattered most.
From the heartbreak in Baku against Chelsea to costly dips in form that derailed their Premier League title race hopes seasons ago, the Gunners have repeatedly fallen short.
However, with closest rivals Liverpool suffering three straight league defeats, Arsenal fans can’t help but feel that this season might finally be their moment.
Since Mikel Arteta’s takeover in 2019, Arsenal should arguably have lifted the Premier League at least once under the guidance of their former captain. They’ve come agonizingly close, doing almost everything right.
Their most heartbreaking campaign came in 2023/24, when it truly felt like their year – yet despite finishing with an impressive 89 points, they lost out on the league by just two points as they were edged out by Manchester City’s 91.
In a normal season, they should have been champions – but that was the year Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side decided to turn on their relentless, title-winning machine once again, stringing together a ruthless run of victories that left no room for slip-ups, losing thrice in 38 games. It was yet another painful reminder of just how fine margins can define the Premier League title race.
For the past three seasons, 2022/23 – 2024/25, they’ve finished the season in second place, which makes one wonder if and when they’ll ever claim the league title that has evaded them.
Their main rivals this season, Liverpool, who started the campaign in blistering form, winning their opening seven games, have now become a shadow of their early selves. The loss against Manchester United marked a turning point – it not only shattered their momentum but also extended a dismal run that has seen them lose four straight league games for the first time in over a decade.
An early goal from Mbeumo and an 84th-minute goal that came against the run of play from Harry Maguire – who has developed a habit for scoring late goals – was enough to see out a spirited fightback from Arne Slot’s side.
This result sees Liverpool slip to fourth in the league standings with 15 points. Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Everton lifts them into second place with 16, while Arsenal stay top of the table with 19 points after GW8.
READ MORE: Liverpool’s Form: Three Changes Arne Slot Should Make To Improve It
Could This Be Arsenal’s Year at Last?
Can Arsenal win the Premier League this year? Their supporters would certainly hope so. After years of frustration and near misses, the stars might finally be aligning for the Gunners.
With Liverpool losing form, Chelsea still in the midst of a rebuild, Manchester United struggling to find consistency – despite their back-to-back victories – and Manchester City showing rare signs of vulnerability, this could be Arsenal’s best chance yet to take control of the Premier League title race and end their long wait for a league title.
Why Arsenal Could Actually Win the League This Season
1. Defensive Solidity
In the 2023/24 season, the Gunners conceded just 29 goals, and the following year, they let in 34 – finishing both campaigns with the best defensive record in the league. This season, they’ve picked up right where they left off, allowing only three goals in their opening eight matches while ranking as the third-highest scoring team.
“Attack wins you games, but defence wins you titles” is a saying that couldn’t be more relevant for Mikel Arteta’s side, looking to dominate the Premier League title race once again.
If the Gunners are to end their two-decade-long Premier League title drought finally, their rock-solid defence will once again be the backbone of their success.
2. Squad Depth and Consistency
Over the summer, Arsenal brought in eight new signings, strengthening their squad in key positions – a move that could prove crucial in their pursuit of the Premier League title race.
In previous seasons, the Gunners often struggled with a lack of depth, especially when hit by injuries, which ultimately derailed their title hopes. This time around, however, Mikel Arteta appears determined not to let history repeat itself.
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Conclusion
There are still 30 games left in the season, and Liverpool could yet regain form and fight their way back into the title race. But for now, they’re out of the conversation – especially with their talisman, Mohamed Salah, struggling to find his best form.
All things are pointing in favour of Arsenal securing the league this season. Even former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who won six league titles with the Red Devils, has named the Gunners as his favourites to lift the title after two decades. He said:
“I said before a ball was kicked this season that Arsenal, this is their chance to win the league.
“I felt they had to do it this year and couldn’t come second again. They’ve got a wonderful group of players, it’s probably the best squad in terms of depth in the league.
“They recruited well in the summer and found a way again against Fulham yesterday. They are my favourites to win the Premier League.”
Although we’re only eight games into the season, if the signs are anything to go by, Arsenal look poised to mount a serious title challenge once again. Their balance between attack and defence, squad depth, and consistency suggest that this could finally be the year they go all the way.
The only obstacle that could stand between Arsenal and the title is Manchester City rediscovering the scary, relentless form that powered their dominance over the past four seasons.
But if Pep Guardiola’s side fail to hit those heights again, the Premier League could finally witness Arsenal crowned Kings of England once more.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / PA Images
Recording Date: 12.08.2023