Arteta Vows Arsenal Will Aim Higher After Ending 22-Year Title Drought

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken publicly for the first time since the club’s title parade in June 2026, promising an even better campaign in the new season.

Arsenal won the Premier League last season, finishing seven points clear of Manchester City to end a 22-year wait for the title. With the celebrations over, attention has now turned to the next campaign. The league landscape has also shifted, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool all appointing new managers, while Michael Carrick at Manchester United and Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham are still settling into their roles.

Arteta now stands out as the only current Premier League manager with a winners’ medal, following Pep Guardiola’s exit from Manchester City. He is also the longest-serving boss in the league, and that stability has made Arsenal early favorites to retain the crown.

Speaking to the Arsenal App, Arteta reflected on the title parade, calling it the best football experience of his life. “It was probably the best football experience I’ve ever had. It ranks at the highest level, surpassing any other trophy I’ve won or moment I’ve experienced,” he said. He described the triumph as proof of the club’s growth, noting how Arsenal had rebuilt the connection between the team, supporters, identity and ambition after years of struggles.

But the focus has quickly moved forward. After reaching the summit, the question is whether this was the peak or just the start. Arteta made his stance clear. “This must be the beginning, and this must be our benchmark,” he said. “Excellence should be our benchmark, and it must propel us to pursue the future. Our daily conduct must reflect increasing determination and ambition, as we have demonstrated our capabilities. Now, we need to prove that we belong at this level and aspire to elevate this football club to new heights.”

The Spaniard added that consistency will be key. “My goal is to ensure that we consistently meet the standards and requirements each day to improve the next. This is what we must manage. Moreover, sustaining that ambition, discipline, commitment, and positive energy throughout the 11 months is our collective responsibility. If we can all accomplish this, we will find ourselves in a very strong position come May.”