When Mikel Arteta took the helm at Arsenal, he unveiled a five‑stage roadmap designed to transform a club in turmoil into a powerhouse. The final stage, step five, is all about establishing a lasting dynasty. The first four phases focused on restoring the club to the glory days of Arsène Wenger – winning major trophies and re‑establishing Arsenal as a force in English football. Having reclaimed the Premier League crown, Arteta now faces a challenge that even Wenger never managed to achieve.
No Arsenal side has successfully defended a top‑flight title since the Gunners completed a three‑peat that ended in 1935. Neither of Wenger’s double‑winning squads nor his historic "Invincibles" managed to follow their landmark triumphs with an immediate repeat the next season. Arteta repeatedly invokes the idea of making history in his pre‑match talks, and the narrative of a back‑to‑back title will undoubtedly dominate the dressing‑room over the next nine months. However, creating a dynasty involves more than simply retaining the league trophy.
Despite being the reigning English champions and a favourite among pundits to repeat the feat, Arsenal still have clear areas that need refinement compared with last season. Last year was memorable – the streets outside the Emirates were filled with celebrations – yet the team’s attacking efficiency left room for improvement. The euphoria of the title run was somewhat dampened by the Champions League final loss to Paris Saint‑Germain, where Arsenal dominated possession, took the lead, but failed to register a single shot on target over 114 minutes. That match highlighted a paradox: while the defensive unit was rock‑solid, the side’s forward play often appeared predictable, raising doubts about its ability to create and finish chances from open play.
That issue was not confined to the final. Throughout the campaign Arsenal excelled in defensive metrics and set‑piece situations, but their open‑play attacking statistics lagged behind the league’s elite.
They were not among the top three teams for key offensive metrics such as shots per game, expected goals, or chance creation from open play. The numbers were respectable, yet they underscored a genuine weakness that the club must address if it hopes to become a dynasty. The early signs of progress came in the Community Shield, where Arsenal thrashed Manchester City 3‑0, scoring all three goals from open play and not producing a single set‑piece opportunity.
The performance suggested that the team could become less predictable and more lethal in regular league matches. Nevertheless, the summer transfer window introduced uncertainty about whether that attacking spark will be sustained and, crucially, where it will originate. Arsenal’s primary target, Morgan Rogers, was snapped up by Chelsea for £117 million, and a pursuit of Vinícius Júnior fizzled out when the Brazilian recommitted to Real Madrid. The only notable incoming outfield player was Christos Tzolis, signed as a youthful alternative to Leandro Trossard.
Consequently, Arsenal entered the new season with essentially the same attacking roster that finished the previous campaign. The club still has a chance to reinforce its forward line before the window closes.
Late‑season signings such as Eberechi Eze have shown that players arriving after the transfer deadline can still make decisive contributions in a title run. Yet Arsenal now faces a demanding opening three‑game schedule against Aston Villa and Chelsea, meaning any lingering attacking deficiencies will be scrutinised from day one. Arteta has repeatedly stressed that transfers are not the sole answer to Arsenal’s problems.
"We will go from strength to strength," he told the media during pre‑season. "Whether it’s getting the best out of the players we have or adding new talent, we’re optimistic about the path ahead." The squad that lifted the Premier League trophy possesses ample scope for growth.
Mid‑season acquisitions from the previous summer – Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze – delivered solid but not spectacular performances. None of those four started the Champions League final in Budapest; Arteta preferred more familiar options. If any of them can elevate their game this season, Arsenal’s attack could reach a new level. The creative engine of the team, captain Martin Ødegaard, featured in only 14 league starts last season.
Despite limited minutes, he posted the third‑highest chance‑creation per‑90 figure in the Premier League. More playing time would inevitably boost Arsenal’s offensive output, and Ødegaard’s strong showing in the Community Shield suggests he can be a catalyst for a more dynamic attack. Arteta has expressed confidence that a fit and available Ødegaard, surrounded by quality teammates, will produce a "very different Martin" this campaign. Another potential source of creativity is Bruno Guimarães, Arsenal’s second‑most expensive signing, arriving from Newcastle.
While primarily a defensive midfielder, Guimarães ranked among the top ten players for breaking opposition lines with progressive passes last season. His profile mirrors that of the earlier target Morgan Rogers, indicating Arteta’s desire for a midfielder who can win the ball, transition quickly, and contribute to goal‑scoring opportunities. If Guimarães partners regularly with Ødegaard, Arsenal could possess a more versatile and unpredictable attacking structure than many observers anticipate.
Arteta himself hinted at a shift in philosophy when he corrected a headline that labelled Arsenal a "defending" champion, insisting the team is "attacking" another Premier League title. Beyond the attacking overhaul, Arsenal must contend with the absence of centre‑back William Saliba, who is sidelined with a back injury. Saliba, often described as a "Rolls‑Royce" defender for his speed and composure in one‑on‑one situations, is a critical component of Arsenal’s defensive machine. While Gabriel and Jurrien Timber provide quality, and Ben White’s injury history remains a concern, the back line will be less experienced at the start of the season.
The imminent arrival of Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa may help, but the defence cannot rely solely on its previous superiority. Despite these challenges, Arsenal should not forget they begin the new campaign as reigning English champions who went unbeaten in regular time throughout the previous Champions League season. They were already a strong side before the summer, and the additions, though modest, add depth and quality.
Importantly, Arsenal are the only club among the traditional "Big Six" that is not undergoing a managerial overhaul or a massive squad rebuild. Their continuity offers a platform for evolution rather than revolution. As Arteta’s five‑step plan reaches its final stage, the question remains: can this iteration of Arsenal translate defensive solidity, creative midfield play, and incremental attacking improvements into a genuine dynasty?
The season ahead will reveal whether the Gunners can not only defend their crown but also lay the foundations for sustained dominance.