Arsenal faced numerous challenges, but ultimately, four key factors contributed to their long-awaited Premier League title victory, their first in 22 years; Yankee Scores reports…
Arsenal’s bumpy path to their first title in 22 years is a testament to inspiration, resilience, and mental fortitude. Following three consecutive second places (2022/23, 2023/24, 2024/25 seasons), they were called bottlers and cursed, and their attention to set pieces was labeled dark arts, obsolete, and anti-football. Here are the four decisive factors that made the absolute difference for the Gunners:
1. Defensive Solidity
It is a victory that resonates with the popular saying of “defense wins titles while attacks win games.” Arteta’s men conceded the fewest goals this season with a paltry 26. Ultimately, the best defensive record. Of course, they also have the best defensive partnership in Gabriel–Saliba.
Little wonder the defensive duo is regarded as the great wall of North London. Since the beginning of the 2022/23 season, William Saliba (43) and Gabriel (42) have had most clean sheets kept by any outfield players in the Premier League, comfortably beating out Virgil van Dijk, Dan Burn at 36 apiece.
2. Set-Piece Masterclass
Arsenal’s set-piece record in the current campaign is quite enviable. Arteta and his set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, put in the work and reaped the league title. No doubt, one of the largest contributors to the title-winning push is the number of goals scored from the corner. Corners alone contributed 17 goals, shattering the previous record of 16 held by jointly held by Oldham 92/93, West Brom 16/17, and Arsenal themselves in 23/24.
3. David Raya: The Ultimate Golden Glove
The Spaniard is head and shoulders above other netminders in the league. With 19 clean sheets in 37 appearances, he rightfully deserves to be considered for the EPL player of the season. Since his transfer from Brentford in 2023, Raya has consistently performed well in goal. Arteta knew what he wanted and went all out for Raya in 2023, and the rest is history.
It would be a surprise not to see him in goal for Spain at the World Cup. Raya has 100 percent league appearances this season, conceding just 26 goals. For the third season in a row, Raya has won the Golden Glove, and this season, particularly, he has played a phenomenal role in Arsenal’s title-winning season.
4. Inconsistent Manchester City
This would have been Arsenal’s third EPL title in 22 years if not for City. The Cityzens knew how to leapfrog Arsenal, particularly towards the end of the season when it matters most, but it wasn’t so this season. Despite Arsenal relinquishing a 7-point lead to City, the Man City draw against Everton put Arsenal back in front, and Tuesday’s draw against Bournemouth sealed it for the Gunners. Both teams lost 5 games apiece; Arsenal drew 7 while City drew 9. Therefore, the Everton and Bournemouth draws sank City in the title race and handed Arsenal the title.
Looking Ahead: The Ultimate Double Charge?
After six and a half seasons, Arteta has turned Arsenal into a title-winning side. They are as hard as nails and can hold their own against any European side. Their run in the Champions League says it all. No better time to play PSG in the Champions League final than May 30 with the EPL title serving as the ultimate morale booster.
