Arsenal secured the Premier League title in the 2025-26 season, ending a 22-year wait since their last championship triumph in 2004. The club’s success marked a significant turnaround following years of near misses, notably the 2022-23 campaign when Arsenal led the league for 248 days before ultimately losing to Manchester City.
Central to Arsenal’s achievement was manager Mikel Arteta, who took charge in 2019 and methodically reshaped the team and club culture. Known for his rigorous standards, Arteta emphasized discipline and unity, favoring players with stable personal lives and strong character, rather than just raw talent. Before signing midfielder Declan Rice, Arteta reportedly sought character references from England teammates Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale to ensure Rice’s suitability on and off the pitch.
Arteta’s attention to detail extended beyond typical coaching responsibilities. At the Emirates Stadium, he removed the outer cover of the tunnel to expose players to increased crowd noise as they entered the pitch, aiming to boost their adrenaline. Ahead of away matches, such as a fixture against Liverpool, he used psychological tactics like playing the hostile anthem "You’ll Never Walk Alone" repeatedly during training sessions to acclimate players and reduce intimidation.
The manager also introduced unconventional methods to improve focus and vigilance. For example, he hired professional pickpockets to steal from players during a team dinner, teaching them to remain alert at all times. He was supported by assistant Gabriel Heinze, who applied rigorous fitness regimes including bi-daily weigh-ins taken from his previous experience coaching in Argentina.
Arteta’s demanding style extended to media interactions. During the 2022-23 season, when questioned about the club’s transfer policies, particularly the absence of a striker signing, he displayed visible irritation off-camera but maintained professionalism publicly.
Despite his tough approach, Arteta demonstrated empathy toward club staff. On learning about a staff member’s son experiencing bullying, he invited the boy to meet players and use the club’s gym facilities to help bolster the child’s confidence.
The culmination of Arsenal’s season came with a symbolic moment on the title-winning night when player Myles Lewis-Skelly humorously referenced the “bottler” label previously attached to the club. Holding a champagne bottle, he remarked, “They called us bottlers, but now we’re holding a bottle,” highlighting the journey from past disappointments to ultimate triumph.
Arsenal’s 2025-26 Premier League victory was a testament to Arteta’s transformative influence and the squad’s resilience, ending a long period of frustration and signaling a new era for the London club.