Arsenal’s 2025-26 Premier League campaign was anything but smooth. There were extended stretches when their title credentials looked genuinely questionable: defensive lapses, dropped points in matches they should have won, and a sense that the squad was not always firing on all cylinders.
As you read the full story here, Manchester City stayed right on their heels for large portions of the season, and at one point even leapfrogged Mikel Arteta’s side in the standings, making what felt like a comfortable lead suddenly very fragile.
Ultimately, Arsenal held on and claimed the title, but the manner in which it was won raised real questions about what needs to improve going into the defence. Right now, every Arsenal supporter knows the next campaign hinges on a handful of players who could either drive that defence home or see it fall apart entirely.
The Goalkeeper Situation Still Needs Resolving
Between the posts, Arsenal have not yet nailed down a truly commanding presence. Kepa Arrizabalaga has shown inconsistency at key moments, and while he is not the sole reason for defensive vulnerabilities, a goalkeeper who does not inspire confidence when crosses come into the box is a genuine liability at title-winning level. The best sides in England are built on goalkeepers who organise their backline and dominate their penalty area; Arsenal need that from whoever starts in 2026-27.
Illan Meslier offers a different profile (younger, with quicker reflexes), but decision-making when coming off his line has been an issue. Neither option currently feels like an automatic starter who settles everyone around him. Sorting this position out before the new campaign begins is arguably the most important piece of business the club has to handle. A title defence built on uncertainty in goal is a shaky foundation.
Defensive Stability Depends on a Few Key Individuals
William Saliba remains the cornerstone of everything Arsenal do at the back. When he plays, the defensive structure looks completely different: organised, calm, and difficult to break down. His ability to read the game and win aerial duels without ever appearing rushed sets the standard.
The concern is that when he is absent, the backline drops noticeably in quality. Cristhian Mosquera has shown promise as a partner, but there are moments where he gets caught out of position, particularly when attackers make runs in behind early.
Gabriel has had his own inconsistencies; there have been matches where he has been caught too tight to forwards or lost concentration at crucial moments. His physicality and leadership are undeniable, but at title-winning level, individual errors in central defence are punished heavily. If Saliba and Gabriel can maintain fitness and stay sharp throughout a 38-game season, Arsenal’s defensive record should be strong. If either misses extended time, the question of who covers that ground adequately becomes a serious one.
At fullback, Ben White’s fitness record is critical. When he is available, he provides a reliable blend of defensive discipline and attacking output down the right. Riccardo Calafiori on the left adds another dimension going forward, though he has occasionally been caught in possession in dangerous areas when attempting to drive into midfield. Both need to be sharper without the ball if Arsenal want to cut out the soft goals that cost them points last season.
The Midfield Balance Will Define the Season
Martin Odegaard is central to how Arsenal function. When he is fit and influencing the game, the entire side looks more connected; his passing range opens spaces, his movement creates options, and his presence lifts those around him. After some injury disruption in recent seasons, keeping him available for the bulk of the campaign is essential. A handful of his appearances in 2025-26 showed exactly why Arsenal struggle to replicate their best football without him.
Myles Lewis-Skelly has been given more responsibility in the holding role, and while his physicality and ability to win fouls are genuine strengths, there are times when the midfield looks exposed without a truly dominant defensive midfielder alongside him. The balance between protecting the defence and supporting attacks is something Arsenal need to get right consistently, not just in big matches.
Kai Havertz continues to be a player whose best position remains the subject of genuine debate. He offers more as a forward than in a deeper midfield role, and Arteta may need to make a definitive call on how he uses him going forward.
The Attacking Threat Must Be More Reliable
Viktor Gyokeres arrived with enormous expectation, and the clinical edge he brings from the penalty spot and in tight areas is clear. However, his overall link-up play and hold-up work in open play have been uneven.
A striker at a title-challenging club needs to contribute beyond just finishing; holding the ball under pressure, bringing teammates into play, and pressing from the front are all parts of the job. Gyokeres has the quality to do all of that, but the consistency needs to improve over a full campaign.
Christos Tzolis has looked like a genuinely exciting wide option: creative, direct, and willing to work hard without the ball. His ability to beat his man and deliver quality balls into dangerous areas gives Arsenal another dimension on the wing. Gabriel Martinelli’s pace and energy off the bench remain useful, even if his starting role has become less certain.
With Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke back fully fit, the wide attacking options are strong, but making sure the right combinations are on the pitch at the right time will be a key part of Arteta’s job.