The race for the Premier League title is heating up: Can Arsenal finally seize the championship this season?
"Things are falling into place for Arsenal, but can they make it count?"
By Emily Salley
BBC Sport Journalist
It appeared for a moment that Arsenal was beginning to falter in their quest for the Premier League crown. After suffering a loss to Aston Villa at the beginning of December, their subsequent victories against Wolves, Everton, and Brighton were secured by slim margins, leaving fans feeling somewhat anxious about the team's form.
However, the Gunners responded decisively, delivering a resounding 4-1 victory over Villa at home on Tuesday. This result not only quelled doubts about their title aspirations but also sent a clear message to any challengers hoping to disrupt their ambitions.
As Arsenal heads into 2026 and the latter half of the campaign, they find themselves atop the league, holding a five-point lead over second-place Manchester City, with Villa trailing just one point behind.
"Arsenal's performance against Villa illustrates exactly where they are right now," remarked former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin on BBC Radio 5 Live. "Everything seems to be going well for them, as every member of the team is contributing – from the manager to the players and support staff."
Danny Murphy, a former England midfielder, added during Match of the Day, "What Arsenal did against Villa was hugely significant. Their display was powerful, filled with quality, and showcased their depth of talent."
Despite this impressive performance, Arsenal has a history of letting potential titles slip away after finishing as runners-up three times in recent seasons. This raises the question: Can they finally clinch the championship this time around, ending a drought that dates back to 2004?
"Nerves should be held until later in the season"
Arsenal has faced similar challenges before. They began 2023 in first place, five points ahead of Manchester City. Ultimately, however, it was Guardiola's side that lifted the trophy, finishing five points clear of Arsenal by the season's end. A similar fate befell them in the 2002-03 season, where they again finished second to Manchester United after leading at the end of December.
In fact, of the last six occasions when Arsenal ended the year in first place, they have only managed to win the Premier League once, back in the 2001-02 season. This historical context explains why many fans remain cautious, hesitant to celebrate too early.
Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool defender, expressed this sentiment on Sky Sports, stating, "It's perfectly understandable for supporters to feel nervous – it's been nearly 22 years since they last won the league title. But the real time to worry is in April and May, not now. There’s still plenty of football left to play."
Statistically speaking, the team that finishes the calendar year in the top spot has gone on to win the Premier League title 17 out of 33 times (52%).
"We have clear goals for 2026"
So, is this finally the season when everything aligns for Arsenal, who last enjoyed title success during their 'invincible' season? Manager Mikel Arteta shared his thoughts with BBC Sport, stating, "We understand how demanding this journey will be. The past year, 2025, has been remarkable. We know what we aim to achieve in 2026, but we must earn it, and the road ahead is still long."
The recent victory over Villa marked the first match since December 8 in which defensive partners Gabriel and William Saliba started together. Even when these key players were sidelined, Arsenal maintained the strongest defense in the league, conceding merely 12 goals across 19 matches, the fewest of any team.
In the match against Villa, both defenders showcased their skills, helping secure a solid performance in the first half before Brazilian Gabriel kicked off the scoring just three minutes after halftime.
"Arsenal remains composed; they trust their defenders to handle one-on-one situations effectively," Danny Murphy noted. "Gabriel and Saliba's partnership laid the groundwork for that impressive second-half performance. Their athleticism, composure, and formidable presence are invaluable assets."
"An immensely significant victory"
Yet, as Arteta cautioned, there is still a considerable distance to cover in the season, with Manchester City and Aston Villa hot on Arsenal's heels. If Guardiola's team triumphs against Sunderland on Thursday, they will close the gap to just two points.
Meanwhile, Villa came into the Emirates match on an impressive 11-match winning streak, and manager Unai Emery will hope that their defeat was merely an anomaly.
"This result is monumental for Arsenal in numerous ways," Carragher added in his praise. "Considering the quality of the opposition, this was the first time Arsenal has overcome a genuine rival this season, and the manner of their victory, particularly in the second half, was truly dominant. They completely outplayed Aston Villa."
What do you think? Can Arsenal maintain their momentum and finally claim the Premier League title? Share your thoughts below!
