After winning the Premier League in 2025/26, Arsenal have started their title defence in convincing fashion. Mikel Arteta’s side opened the new campaign with four consecutive league victories, showing that last season’s success has not reduced their intensity.
The key question is not simply why Arsenal are winning again, but what has changed since they became champions. The answer appears to be a combination of continuity, greater squad depth, and improved confidence in difficult moments.
A Strong Foundation Is Still There
Arsenal did not need a complete rebuild during the summer. Their title-winning campaign was based on a clear tactical identity, defensive organisation, and a midfield capable of controlling matches.
Several strengths have carried directly into the new season:
- a well-organised defensive structure;
- experience in high-pressure matches;
- strong control of possession;
- tactical discipline;
- confidence gained from winning the title.
The most important difference may be psychological. Arsenal are no longer a team trying to prove that they can become champions. They now know that they can win the league.
That experience can help when matches become difficult.
More Quality in Midfield
One of the most important additions was Bruno Guimarães.
His arrival gives Arteta another high-level option in central midfield. Guimarães can contribute defensively, carry the ball forward, and help Arsenal maintain control when opponents press aggressively.
His early influence was visible in the victory against Sunderland. After David Raya saved a penalty, Guimarães scored shortly afterwards to put Arsenal in front.
That sequence demonstrated something important about the current team. Arsenal can survive a dangerous moment and immediately respond at the other end of the pitch.
This ability to turn pressure into an advantage could be valuable throughout the season.
Greater Squad Depth
A title defence requires more than a strong starting eleven.
Arsenal have to manage league matches, domestic cups, and European competition. Injuries and fatigue are almost unavoidable when a team is playing several times each week.
Greater depth provides Arteta with more options for:
- replacing injured players;
- rotating the squad;
- changing tactics during matches;
- protecting key players from fatigue;
- maintaining intensity late in games.
The benefit is not only having more players available. It also creates competition for places, which can help maintain performance levels across the squad.
Arsenal Look More Comfortable Under Pressure
Maybe the biggest change has been how Arsenal have been dealing with tough times.
They have shown they can dominate opponents last season. Early this season, they’re getting better at getting wins when it doesn’t go according to plan.
A team could concede first, lose control for a while, or lack the ability to create opportunities. Champions need to find solutions in those situations.
The Gunners have demonstrated in their recent history that they don’t rush to make a shot and can wait for the right moment.
This is a key consideration for those who are interested in the football betting markets, statistics, or form. It’s one thing to win easily, but it’s another to continually chip away at tough competition; that’s what makes a player or team a contender to win the title.
The Defence Still Matters
The Arsenal front line is sometimes the best-known aspect of their game, but their back line is also a key element to their success.
Having a solid defense will make it easier for the team to hold its own over the course of the season when the offense may not be performing well. This may in particular be crucial in a long season. In any competition, there will be some games in which Arsenal have few chances. They can hold those games up, and one goal just might suffice.
Can Arsenal Maintain the Perfect Start?
A four-game winning streak won’t determine a title race. It is a long season and some bad times will occur. The squad will be put to the test by injuries, fixture congestion and fixtures in Europe.
But the first few weeks of the season have shown that Arsenal have improved without sacrificing any of their winning ways.
It may not be that the team starts playing a new style of football, or even a different team. But Arsenal look deeper, more confident, and equipped to handle tough times. It’s what a defending champion requires!