Arsenal head into 2026 as Premier League leaders after a commanding victory over Aston Villa. Fans remain guarded, however, remembering past seasons when the team held the top spot at year-end only to fade in the final stretch. The big question now is whether Mikel Arteta’s side can maintain their form and claim the title that has eluded them for over two decades.
History offers little comfort: in the last six times Arsenal ended the calendar year in first place, they lifted the trophy just once, during the Invincibles campaign of 2001-02. Similar collapses occurred in 2002-03 against Manchester United and in 2023 when Manchester City pulled away to win by five points.
Why supporters stay cautious
Jamie Carragher acknowledged the fans’ hesitation, pointing out that Arsenal have gone nearly 22 years without a league championship. He advised saving the real anxiety for April and May, as there is still plenty of football left. League statistics show that the team leading at the end of the calendar year has gone on to become champions in 17 of 33 seasons, a 52% success rate.
Mikel Arteta stressed the long road ahead, describing 2025 as remarkable but reminding everyone that goals for 2026 must be earned. The match against Villa marked the first start together for Gabriel and William Saliba at center-back since early November. Even without them for much of the season, Arsenal boasted the league’s best defense, conceding only 12 goals in 19 matches.
What fueled the dominant display
The return of the star defensive pairing provided stability. The first half ended scoreless, but Gabriel broke the deadlock shortly after the restart with a scrappy finish that sparked a rout. Danny Murphy highlighted Arsenal’s composure in defense, trusting their back line to handle one-on-one situations effectively. The athleticism, poise, and intimidating presence of Saliba and Gabriel laid the foundation for a second-half masterclass.
The win ended Aston Villa’s impressive 11-game winning run under Unai Emery. Carragher called it a massive result on multiple levels: beating a genuine contender for the first time this season, the convincing fashion of the victory, and the complete second-half demolition of a strong opponent.
Manchester City can close the gap to two points with a win against Sunderland, while Villa stay in close pursuit. The title race remains wide open, but Arsenal’s current momentum gives reason for quiet confidence.
