Winning the Premier League last season finally silenced one of the most persistent doubts surrounding Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. After years of coming close, the Gunners proved they now possess the mentality of true champions. Liam Harding believes the real challenge lies ahead — to build upon this success and create a sustained period of glory.

I am convinced that Arsenal can compete for the Premier League crown again next season, especially after ending a 22-year wait for the title.

Before Arteta’s team finally lifted the trophy, many questioned whether this group had the mental strength to cross the finish line. For several seasons, Arsenal had been on the brink of success but failed to seal it. Now that they have broken that barrier, I hope the team continues to bring silverware to the Emirates, especially after managing only one league title in the past two decades.

During the 38-match Premier League campaign, Arteta’s side came remarkably close to replicating Arsène Wenger’s Invincibles, winning 26 league games — the same number as the 2003–04 team — though they fell short of completing an unbeaten season.

They also made it all the way to the Champions League final, only to lose narrowly to Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout — an achievement the Invincibles themselves never managed.

Arsenal have laid down a strong foundation for the future, and the outlook appears brighter than it has in many years.

Defending the title will undoubtedly be difficult, especially as their rivals are strengthening their squads. However, Arsenal are expected to add quality reinforcements this summer, which should help compensate for the departure of Leandro Trossard — a player who came to the rescue on several key occasions last season.

It must be admitted that, after falling short in three consecutive title races, Arsenal had earned an unwelcome ‘bottlejob’ tag. This reputation was painful for supporters, particularly when rival fans — including Manchester City supporters — mocked the club through merchandise and social media.

Thankfully, last season’s Premier League triumph has gone a long way in changing that perception.

Of course, it is unrealistic to expect Arsenal to win the league every year, and football would lose much of its excitement if they did. However, consistency must be the ultimate goal if the club wishes to re-establish itself among Europe’s elite.

I also strongly believe that Arsenal now need to treat the Champions League with the same — if not greater — importance as the Premier League.

Watching Tottenham come close to winning Europe’s biggest prize in 2019 before losing to Liverpool was painful enough. Spurs then went on to win the Europa League two seasons ago, which only reinforces the need for Arsenal to finally capture the Champions League trophy after their losses in the 2006 and 2026 finals.

Without sounding overly demanding, I would also love to see Arsenal finally end their long wait for the League Cup.

Some fans might not share this sentiment, but it has been more than three decades since Arsenal last lifted that trophy in 1993. Losing two League Cup finals to Manchester City — including one earlier this year — has only deepened my desire to see Arsenal rewrite that chapter of their history.

I fully understand the significance of every competition Arsenal participate in, because as the old saying goes, “You’ve got to be in it to win it.”

That mindset ultimately paid off in the Premier League after years of heartbreaking near misses.

Now that Arsenal have proven they can be champions, let’s hope this marks the beginning of another golden era for the club.

COYG!

Liam Harding

Do you agree with Liam? Can Arsenal retain their Premier League crown next season, and which trophy would you most like to see the Gunners win next? Share your thoughts below.

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