Arsenal F.C. captain Martin Ødegaard lifted the Premier League trophy in emotional scenes that marked a defining moment for the club under manager Mikel Arteta.
After months of criticism over their style of play, Arsenal finished the season as champions, proving decisive results matter more than outside opinions.
Throughout the campaign, critics branded Arsenal “Set-Piece FC” and questioned whether the team’s football was entertaining enough compared to previous title winners. Former Paul Scholes even described them earlier in the season as potential “worst Premier League title winners ever.”
Despite the criticism, Arsenal remained consistently at the top of the table from October and showed remarkable resilience through injuries and intense scrutiny.
Even after the title was confirmed, social media debates continued, with some rival fans claiming officiating decisions had favored the Gunners. Arne Slot also appeared to take a subtle dig at Arsenal’s approach, noting the unusually high percentage of goals scored from set-pieces this season.
But for Arsenal supporters, none of those comments diminished the achievement.
Arteta’s side combined defensive discipline, tactical flexibility, and efficiency in key moments to secure the title. While they may not have displayed the free-flowing attacking football associated with previous champions like Manchester City F.C., Arsenal consistently found ways to win.
Analysts noted that many opponents adopted ultra-defensive tactics specifically to stop Arsenal’s attacking play. Statistics showed Arsenal faced more packed penalty boxes than any other team in the league, yet still managed to break through repeatedly.
One of the defining moments of the campaign came through Leandro Trossard’s crucial winner against West Ham United F.C., a goal created by Ødegaard’s vision and movement in tight spaces.
Injuries also shaped Arsenal’s season. Ødegaard himself managed to play 45 minutes or more in only a limited number of league matches, while the club rarely had a fully fit attacking unit available for extended periods.
The front trio involving Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres and Trossard started together only a handful of times during the season, highlighting the squad challenges Arsenal had to navigate.
Arteta later admitted there were moments, especially before Christmas during an injury crisis, when he feared the title challenge might collapse.
Instead, Arsenal endured, adapted, and ultimately delivered one of the club’s most memorable league triumphs in modern history.
