Arsenal’s Premier League Seasons Following Each Community Shield Win

Arsenal made a strong statement with their recent Community Shield win over Manchester City, raising hopes of consecutive Premier League titles. Only Manchester United has won more Community Shields (21) than Arsenal’s 18 victories, including the 2026 edition.

The 3–0 win against an Enzo Maresca-managed Manchester City highlighted gaps in Pep Guardiola’s squad that were less visible last season when Arsenal clinched their first league title in 22 years. Mikel Arteta’s team exudes confidence and stability, unlike some of their rivals.

Yet, this isn’t the first time Arsenal entered a season with high expectations after winning the Community Shield. They have claimed the trophy nine times since 1992, and here’s how they performed in the Premier League following those wins.

1998–99 Season

Arsenal started the Premier League era well by beating Manchester United 3–0 in the Community Shield. They had been champions the previous season with 78 points but faltered late, losing two of their last three games, which allowed United to finish just behind them.

Despite a strong season, Arsenal drew four of their first five matches and finished second after a costly 1–0 loss at Leeds near the end of the campaign. Meanwhile, Manchester United bounced back to win an unprecedented treble.

1999–2000 Season

Once again, Arsenal defeated United 2–1 in the Community Shield. Thierry Henry arrived from Juventus and ended the season as Arsenal’s top scorer with 26 goals, yet the Gunners could not surpass United’s dominance. Manchester United won the league with 91 points, the second-highest total at the time.

Arsenal showed promise with an eight-game winning streak but inconsistent form prevented a serious title challenge.

2002–03 Season

After the retirements of veterans Lee Dixon and Tony Adams, Patrick Vieira became captain. Arsenal held the lead in the league for much of the season, powered by Thierry Henry, but ultimately lost ground to Manchester United’s Ruud van Nistelrooy, who scored 25 league goals.

A draw with United at Highbury and a surprising defeat to Leeds saw Arsenal’s title hopes fade, handing the championship back to United.

2004–05 Season

The 'Invincibles' season raised expectations, but Arsenal couldn’t defend their crown. Their 49-match unbeaten run ended at the hands of Manchester United, but it was José Mourinho’s Chelsea side that disrupted the status quo, winning the league with a record 95 points.

Arsenal recovered to finish second, 12 points behind Chelsea.

2014–15 Season

After a decade without Community Shield appearances, Arsenal returned to beat Manchester City 3–0. Alexis Sánchez’s arrival sparked hope, and he scored 16 league goals, but a 2–0 loss to Chelsea revealed the gap to the eventual champions. Arsenal ended third, ahead of Tottenham but still far from challenging for the title.

2015–16 Season

Despite beating Leicester City twice—the eventual champions—Arsenal finished 10 points behind. A late winner against Leicester narrowed the gap, but poor results, including losses to Manchester United and Swansea, hindered their push. They secured second place, though Spurs threatened their position.

2017–18 Season

Arsène Wenger’s final season began with a Community Shield win on penalties against Chelsea. Yet, Arsenal recorded their lowest league points since 1995–96, finishing sixth despite investing heavily in Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who combined for 24 league goals. Defensive struggles led to 13 defeats.

2020–21 Season

A promising start against Liverpool in the Community Shield suggested improvement, but Arsenal struggled badly early on, falling to 15th place. Mikel Arteta faced pressure but turned things around with youth like Emile Smith Rowe leading a vital win over Chelsea. They finished eighth after a late-season winning streak, keeping Arteta’s project alive.

2023–24 Season

Arsenal re-established themselves as title contenders, securing their second-best points total ever in the Premier League. The signing of Declan Rice for $131 million symbolized their rise. Despite finishing second behind Manchester City by a narrow margin, Arsenal's 89 points were their highest since the 'Invincibles' season. Still, no team has won the Premier League after starting the campaign with a Community Shield victory.

• 1998–99: Finished 2nd, matched previous season's points
• 1999–00: Finished 2nd, 91 points by Man Utd
• 2002–03: Lost title late, finished 2nd
• 2004–05: Finished 2nd, 12 points behind Chelsea
• 2014–15: Finished 3rd, Alexis Sánchez scored 16 goals
• 2015–16: Finished 2nd, 10 points behind Leicester
• 2017–18: Finished 6th, lowest points since 1995–96
• 2020–21: Finished 8th, late resurgence under Arteta
• 2023–24: Finished 2nd, 89 points, near title