Arsenal finally broke the curse, clinching their first Premier League title in 22 years after a punishing but triumphant season under Mikel Arteta. After three consecutive runner-up finishes, the manager stood on the Emirates pitch a year ago vowing to create history. Few believed him then, but this squad's hunger and Arteta's relentless coaching turned near-misses into glory.

The title run was built on defensive steel rather than attacking fireworks. Arsenal kept 19 clean sheets in the Premier League and 32 across all competitions, with William Saliba and Gabriel forming arguably the best centre-back partnership in world football. Declan Rice's midseason rallying cry after the City defeat kept morale alive when the lead looked doomed.

The decisive moment came against Burnley, when Saka and Havertz combined for the winner — the first time the trio of Saka, Odegaard and Havertz started together in 18 months. After finishing second with 89 points and 91 goals in 2023/24, Arteta's four-year project reached its summit.