The last time Arsenal won the Premier League was in the 2003–04 season, more than 20 years ago. That season stands out in English football history — Arsène Wenger’s team went unbeaten across all 38 matches, a run that earned them the nickname “The Invincibles.”
They sealed the title on April 25, 2004, with a 2–2 draw at White Hart Lane, away at rivals Tottenham. For Arsenal fans, winning the league there made the moment even better.
A Brief History of Arsenal
Founded in 1886, Arsenal is one of the most successful clubs in English football. Based in North London and nicknamed “The Gunners”, they’ve built a reputation for attractive football, fierce rivalries, and periods of serious dominance.
Arsenal were a dominant force in the English First Division before the Premier League era, and under Arsène Wenger, they developed a worldwide following. From winning both the league and FA Cup in 1971 to the dominance of the Invincibles era, the club’s identity has always blended tradition with ambition.
With 13 English league titles, 14 FA Cups, and a European Cup Winners’ Cup triumph (1994), Arsenal remains one of the pillars of English football.
How Many Times Has Arsenal Won the Premier League?
Arsenal have lifted the Premier League trophy three times since the competition replaced the old First Division in 1992:
- 1997–98
- 2001–02
- 2003–04
1997–98: Wenger’s First League Title
In his first full season, Arsène Wenger led Arsenal to a historic double, winning both the Premier League and FA Cup. The Gunners overtook Manchester United with a strong run-in and sealed the title at Highbury with a 4–0 win over Everton, capped by Tony Adams’ iconic goal. The team combined a veteran defence with new signings like Petit, Overmars, and Anelka, while Bergkamp delivered one of his best-ever seasons.
Arsenal finished the 1997–98 Premier League season with 78 points, securing the title with a record of 23 wins, 9 draws, and 6 losses. Dennis Bergkamp was the club’s top scorer in the league, netting 16 goals during a standout campaign.
2001–02: Title Sealed at Old Trafford
Arsenal’s second Premier League title under Wenger came in the 2001–02 season, one of the most intense and competitive title races the league had seen.
It was a season remembered for relentless pace, iconic goals, and high-pressure football. Arsenal remained unbeaten away from home, scored in every single league match, and ultimately finished seven points clear of second-placed Liverpool. They clinched the title in fitting style: a 1–0 win at Old Trafford on May 8, 2002, thanks to a goal from Sylvain Wiltord.
The run-in was ruthless. With Dennis Bergkamp pulling the strings, Robert Pirès producing a moment of brilliance at Villa Park, and Freddie Ljungberg hitting form at the perfect time, Arsenal dropped just two points from February to May. They won the double again that year, beating Chelsea in the FA Cup final — and managed it all while playing fluent, fearless football.
Including First Division titles, Arsenal have been crowned English champions 13 times in total.
| Competition | Titles | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| First Division | 10 | 1930–31, 1932–33, 1933–34, 1934–35, 1937–38, 1947–48, 1952–53, 1970–71, 1988–89, 1990–91 |
| Premier League | 3 | 1997–98, 2001–02, 2003–04 |
2003–04: How Arsenal Became “The Invincibles”
Arsenal’s third Premier League title came in 2003–04, and it was unlike anything seen in the modern era. They went the entire league campaign unbeaten, finishing with 26 wins, 12 draws, and 0 losses. That run earned them the nickname “The Invincibles”, and it hasn’t been matched since.
The team was balanced, sharp, and tactically disciplined. Thierry Henry scored 30 league goals and was unstoppable at his peak. Dennis Bergkamp played just behind, constantly finding space and dictating the tempo. Robert Pirès added 14 goals from the left, and Freddie Ljungberg brought energy and timing on the right.
In midfield, Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva formed a powerful, disciplined partnership. They protected a back line that included Sol Campbell, Kolo Touré, Ashley Cole, and Lauren, with Jens Lehmann in goal. The defensive setup allowed Arsenal to absorb pressure and break quickly — a side that could counter as well as dominate possession.
They sealed the title at White Hart Lane — away to rivals Tottenham — and lifted the trophy at Highbury after a 2–1 win over Leicester City on the final day. Arsène Wenger’s squad became the first top-flight English team to go unbeaten in a league season since Preston North End in 1889 — but they did it in a 38-game campaign.
Why Arsenal Haven’t Won It Since? Arsenal’s Premier League Finishes Since 2003–04
After 2004, Arsenal entered a long transition. The move to the Emirates Stadium in 2006 tightened finances. Big names like Henry, Fabregas, and van Persie eventually moved on.
Despite all this, Wenger kept Arsenal in the top four every year from 2004–05 through 2015–16, qualifying for the Champions League consistently — though real title challenges were rare.
Clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and later Manchester City became dominant forces, and Arsenal lacked the depth or resources to keep up.
| Season | Position | Points Behind Champions |
|---|---|---|
| 2004–05 | 2nd | 12 |
| 2005–06 | 4th | 24 |
| 2006–07 | 4th | 21 |
| 2007–08 | 3rd | 4 |
| 2008–09 | 4th | 18 |
| 2009–10 | 3rd | 11 |
| 2010–11 | 4th | 12 |
| 2011–12 | 3rd | 19 |
| 2012–13 | 4th | 16 |
| 2013–14 | 4th | 7 |
| 2014–15 | 3rd | 12 |
| 2015–16 | 2nd | 10 |
| 2016–17 | 5th | 18 |
| 2017–18 | 6th | 37 |
| 2018–19 | 5th | 28 |
| 2019–20 | 8th | 43 |
| 2020–21 | 8th | 25 |
| 2021–22 | 5th | 24 |
| 2022–23 | 2nd | 5 |
| 2023–24 | 2nd | 2 |
Can Arsenal Win It Again Soon?
After years of falling short, Arsenal have become serious title contenders again — and this time, it doesn’t feel like a one-off.
Under Mikel Arteta, the team has grown stronger, more balanced, and mentally tougher. In 2022–23, they led the Premier League for most of the season before being overtaken by Manchester City. In 2023–24, they pushed it even closer and ended just two points behind the champions. And now, in 2025, they’re back in the fight again.
What stands out is their transformation in big matches. Just a few years ago, Arsenal were regularly outplayed by the top sides. Now, they’ve gone unbeaten in their last three league games against City and have picked up more points against the so-called “Big Six” than any of their rivals over the past two and a half seasons. Victories over Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Spurs — once rare — are now expected.
Players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and William Saliba have become the foundation of a team that knows how to compete at the top. The squad is deep, experienced, and still young. And with Arteta tightening the mentality and the margins, Arsenal feel as close as they’ve ever been to ending the drought.
It’s not a question of if Arsenal can win the Premier League again — it’s when, with UK bookmakers already making the Gunners one of the favourites to be champions in 2025/26.
