Arteta Ends Arsenal’s 21-Year Title Wait

May 19, 2026

(FILES) Arsenal fans hold a giant banner reading 'Make History' during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Burnley at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 18, 2026. Arsenal ended a 22-year wait to be crowned Premier League champions on May 19, 2026, after Manchester City were defeated in their match against Bournemouth. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /

Four years ago, Arsenal F.C. were left frustrated after finishing 24 points behind Manchester City F.C. in the Premier League title race.

After missing out on a Champions League place to rivals Tottenham Hotspur F.C. on the final day of the 2021/22 season, many supporters doubted whether Mikel Arteta could restore Arsenal to the summit of English football.

However, Arteta completed that mission on Tuesday after Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth confirmed Arsenal as Premier League champions.

It marks Arsenal’s 14th English top-flight title and their first since the legendary “Invincibles” side led by Arsène Wenger went unbeaten throughout the 2003/04 campaign.

For years, Wenger’s achievements and stars such as Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira cast a shadow over the Emirates era. Arsenal’s move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium in 2006 also coincided with a prolonged decline in their ability to compete financially with rivals.

Arteta, who spent three years learning under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, used those lessons to rebuild a side that had stagnated before his arrival in December 2019 following the dismissal of Unai Emery.

Arteta Ends Arsenal’s 21-Year Title Wait

Although Arsenal won the FA Cup in Arteta’s first season, the early years proved difficult. The club finished eighth in consecutive campaigns and criticism of the Spaniard intensified.

Arteta responded by reshaping the squad and removing disruptive influences, including the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Özil.

Gradually, a disciplined and energetic side emerged, built around talents such as Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.

Arsenal came close to ending their drought in 2023 after surrendering an eight-point lead to Manchester City, then narrowly missed out again in 2024 and 2025.

Despite criticism labelling the team as underachievers, Arteta maintained belief in the project.

That persistence has now delivered Arsenal’s long-awaited return to the top of English football, ending a 21-year wait for the Premier League crown.

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Toyibat Ajose

Toyibat is a highly motivated Mass Communication major and results-oriented professional with a robust foundation in media, education, and communication. Leveraging years of hands-on experience in journalism, she has honed her ability to craft compelling narratives, conduct thorough research, and deliver accurate and engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences.