Is Arsenal's Premier League Title Quest Finally Over?
'It's all going right for Arsenal' - can they make it count this time?
By Emily Salley
BBC Sport journalist
After a rocky start to December, Arsenal's recent form has been nothing short of impressive. Following a defeat by Aston Villa, they managed to scrape by with narrow victories over Wolves, Everton, and Brighton. However, their 4-1 home win over Villa on Tuesday was a powerful statement, not only keeping them in third place but also serving as a reminder of their trophy ambitions.
Arsenal heads into 2026 at the top of the league, five points clear of Manchester City, with Villa a further point behind. While their fans are cautious about getting ahead of themselves, the team has a history of letting the title slip away. With three successive runners-up finishes, can Arsenal finally make it count this season and claim the championship for the first time since 2004?
'Now is not the time to get nervous'
Arsenal has been here before. They entered 2023 in top spot, five points above Manchester City, but the tables turned, and Pep Guardiola's side ended up with the trophy. A similar story unfolded in the 2002-03 season, when Arsenal finished five points behind Manchester United after being top at the end of December. In fact, out of the previous six occasions Arsenal ended the calendar year in first place, they only went on to win the Premier League once, in 2001-02.
'We know what we want from 2026'
But are things finally clicking into place for the Gunners, who last won the title in their 'invincible' season? Boss Mikel Arteta told BBC Sport, "We know how long this is going to be. It's been an incredible 2025. We know what we want from 2026, we're going to have to earn it, and we're still a long way away."
The Villa success was the first time since December 8th that Gabriel and William Saliba started a game at center-back together. Even with their star defensive duo sidelined, Arsenal had the tightest defense in the league, conceding just 12 goals in 19 games.
'A huge result in lots of ways'
However, there is still a long way to go, and both City and Villa remain hot on Arsenal's heels. Guardiola's side, who have pipped the Gunners to the Premier League trophy on two occasions since Arteta took over in 2019, will move back within two points if they win at Sunderland on Thursday. Villa, meanwhile, had been on an impressive 11-match winning streak before their trip to the Emirates, and boss Emery will hope the defeat was just a blip.
While Arsenal's fans are cautious, the team's recent form and defensive strength give them hope. With a long way to go, the Gunners are determined to earn their title ambitions, starting with their next match against Sunderland.
