Premier League Round 30: Arsenal may not be perfect, but they deserve the title

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Arsenal has consistently been a team that sparks debate. Some even argue that if Arsenal were to win the championship, it would be one of the least convincing title victories.

However, when reviewing Arsenal's entire journey this season, especially their emotionally charged victory over Everton, perhaps one must acknowledge a reality: Arsenal may not be flawless, but they are entirely deserving of the championship.

The moment that decided the season

Each season, the champion is often associated with an iconic moment, a point when everyone realizes the race's dynamics have shifted. For Arsenal, that moment likely arrived on the evening of March 14th in the match against Everton.

It was a match where Arsenal controlled the game almost entirely. They dominated possession, created numerous opportunities but lacked sharpness in finishing. As time dwindled towards the end, fans began fearing Mikel Arteta's team would drop two crucial points in the race with Man City.

Yet the turning point emerged in the 89th minute. From an attack on the right flank, young talent Max Dowman delivered a cross into the box that goalkeeper Jordan Pickford mishandled. The ball rebounded perfectly to Viktor Gyokeres, and the Swedish striker easily scored the opening goal.

When Everton had to push forward seeking an equalizer, Arsenal gained another counter-attacking opportunity. In the final seconds of the match, Dowman again became the protagonist. The 16-year-old player intercepted the ball in his own half, accelerated past two opposing defenders before sprinting nearly half the length of the pitch to slot the ball into the empty net.

That goal not only sealed the 2-0 victory but also made Dowman the youngest scorer in Premier League history. More importantly, it was the season's symbolic moment.

In a match where Arsenal faced many difficulties, they still found a way to win.

The champion's mentality

One reason Arsenal became a contentious topic throughout the season lies in their playing style. Arteta's team does not always overwhelm opponents with fiery attacking football. Instead, they build success on a foundation of tactical discipline, pace control, and defensive solidity.

Many opponents feel uncomfortable facing Arsenal. When leading, the London team often shrinks the playing space, slows the game's tempo, and forces opponents to play according to their plan. Some managers even claim this approach makes matches "dry."

But from a tactical perspective, many experts highly praise the system Arteta has built. A Premier League analyst once described Arsenal as "a python tightening its grip on prey." When they gain an advantage, opponents almost have no chance to resist.

Season statistics also show Arsenal's effectiveness. Their defense is one of the league's most solid systems. The center-back duo Saliba and Gabriel form a sturdy shield before goalkeeper David Raya's goal. Stable defensive ability helps Arsenal maintain balance even in matches where they don't perform at their peak.

Additionally, Arsenal possesses many effective tactical weapons. Set-piece situations become a crucial source of goals with precise deliveries from Bukayo Saka or Declan Rice. This factor helps Arsenal repeatedly break stalemates against opponents playing with massed defenses.

Another notable point is Arteta's personnel management. The Spanish coach frequently creates significant impact from the bench. Players introduced in the second half bring fresh energy and help Arsenal maintain playing intensity.

The decision to bring Max Dowman into the match against Everton is a prime example. Trusting a 16-year-old player at a crucial season moment is not an easy choice, but Arteta proved he is willing to take risks when necessary.

This flexibility helped Arsenal overcome many difficult periods in the season. They weren't always playing well, but they rarely dropped points in important matches.

That consistency is the foundation allowing Arsenal to maintain their top position in the standings for most of the season.

If they truly lift the Premier League championship trophy after years of waiting, it will be a reward for a collective that knows how to win in their own way.

Arsenal may not be the most perfect team, but they are the most consistent team. And in a long-running league like the Premier League, that is enough to win the title.