Arsenal's First Premier League Title Since The Invincibles Era

Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for their 14th league title in 2026. After finishing second three seasons in a row, Mikel Arteta’s squad clinched the championship following Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on May 19.

The Gunners led the standings for much of the 2022/23 season but faded late, finishing five points behind a dominant Manchester City that completed a historic treble. Arsenal responded by investing heavily during the offseason to bolster their squad and challenge again in 2023/24. They pushed the title race to the final day but came up just short against City once more.

In 2024/25, it seemed Arsenal might finally claim the crown as City stumbled. Yet Liverpool stormed ahead to win the title while Arteta’s team fell back. This time in 2025/26, Arsenal managed to secure the trophy. Despite a tough campaign, no one in North London will mind the hard work it took.

The Last Time Arsenal Won Before 2026

Before this recent triumph, Arsenal’s last league title was in the 2003/04 season. That year, they made history as the famous "Invincibles" by going unbeaten through all 38 league matches, amassing 90 points. Managed by Arsène Wenger, that squad is widely regarded as one of the best in Premier League history.

The 2003/04 season featured key victories such as a 2-1 win at Liverpool and two wins over London rivals Chelsea, who were Arsenal’s closest challengers. One memorable game was the scoreless draw at Manchester United in September 2003, known as the "Battle of Old Trafford." It was a heated match with multiple clashes; Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira was sent off, and United missed a late penalty. The aftermath saw several players from both sides charged with misconduct.

This draw symbolized the decline of Manchester United’s dominance and marked the rise of Arsenal as champions. While United finished third, Arsenal remained unbeaten and went on to claim the title without defeat.

Arsenal's Performance Since the Invincibles Season

After 2003/04, Arsenal regularly qualified for the Champions League, consistently finishing in the top four until the 2015/16 season under Wenger. Still, they rarely seriously contested the title until the 2022/23 campaign.

Looking back, their journey over these years shows a path of ups and downs as they sought to return to the pinnacle of English football.

• 2004/05: 2nd place, 12 points behind
• 2005/06: 4th place, 24 points behind
• 2006/07: 4th place, 21 points behind
• 2007/08: 3rd place, 4 points behind
• 2008/09: 4th place, 18 points behind
• 2009/10: 3rd place, 11 points behind
• 2010/11: 4th place, 12 points behind
• 2011/12: 3rd place, 19 points behind
• 2012/13: 4th place, 16 points behind
• 2013/14: 4th place, 7 points behind
• 2014/15: 3rd place, 12 points behind
• 2015/16: 2nd place, 10 points behind
• 2016/17: 5th place, 18 points behind
• 2017/18: 6th place, 37 points behind
• 2018/19: 5th place, 28 points behind
• 2019/20: 8th place, 43 points behind
• 2020/21: 8th place, 25 points behind
• 2021/22: 5th place, 24 points behind
• 2022/23: 2nd place, 5 points behind
• 2023/24: 2nd place, 2 points behind
• 2024/25: 2nd place, 10 points behind
• 2025/26: 1st place, champions