Why Arsenal Are the Juggernaut Everyone Fears in 2025-26

‘People Are Afraid’ – Arsenal’s Rise to Premier League Favourites

Arsenal’s transformation from nearly-men to Premier League front-runners is not just about form — it’s about fear. Rivals now dread playing Mikel Arteta’s men, who are showcasing a near-perfect balance of attacking precision, defensive discipline, and set-piece superiority.

From Missed Opportunities to Ruthless Execution

Last season, Arsenal dropped 10 points in key fixtures against Newcastle, West Ham, Fulham, and Crystal Palace — matches that derailed their title hopes. This term? Maximum points from all four.

Add to that a clean sweep in high-pressure games against Manchester United, Liverpool, Newcastle (away) and Manchester City (home), and it’s clear this Arsenal is built differently.

They now sit four points clear at the top, a significant achievement considering none of Manchester City, United, Liverpool, or Chelsea are in the top four — something that hasn’t happened at this stage since 1992.

Arteta’s Masterclass: Tactical Clarity & Squad Evolution

After a £250m summer spend, Arteta faced pressure to deliver silverware. But the signings have clicked, with Arsenal ranking among the top scorers and tightest defences in the league — all despite missing key creative talents like Odegaard, Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus through injury.

“Arsenal can do a bit of everything now. The whole team has a fear factor,” said former Gunner Theo Walcott.

“People are just afraid of them — and it’s great to see.”

Defensive Juggernauts: Title Glory Built at the Back

Arsenal’s defensive metrics are staggering:

• Fewest goals conceded: 3

• Most clean sheets: 6

• Fewest shots faced: 72

• Fewest shots on target faced: 19

• xGA (expected goals against): 5.3

Their centre-back duo Gabriel and William Saliba have forged arguably the league’s best pairing. Even with Saliba’s injury concerns, young arrival Cristhian Mosquera has shown elite-level quality in rotation.

“Champions of old don’t concede goals. Arsenal have that belief — they know a goal will come,” Walcott added.

They’ve now kept clean sheets in three consecutive games, going 385 minutes without conceding — a testament to their growing reputation as a defensive juggernaut.

Set-Piece Specialists: Arsenal’s Secret Weapon

While the term “Set-piece FC” has been used mockingly, the truth is Arsenal are deadly from set plays. With Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice leading delivery duties, they’ve turned dead balls into gold.

• Set-piece goals: 11 (Most in league)

• Percentage of goals from set-pieces: 69%

• Notable goals: vs. Man United, Newcastle, Fulham, Atlético Madrid

Whether it’s opening the scoring or clinching a vital win, Arsenal’s aerial and tactical execution from corners and free-kicks has given them an extra edge.

“Opposition teams know it’s coming — but still can’t stop it.”

What’s Next: Can Arsenal Maintain Momentum?

Arteta’s side has belief, depth, and a clear identity. The only question is consistency.

Historically, title-winning teams average 84 goals scored and 32 conceded. Arsenal are on pace to concede just 14, which would shatter the Premier League record held by Mourinho’s 2004-05 Chelsea side.

If they avoid another run of frustrating draws — their Achilles heel last season — they might finally end a 21-year title drought.

Final Word

From tactical intelligence to mental resilience, Arsenal’s 2025-26 campaign is shaping into something special. This is no longer a team trying to compete for the title — it’s a team that expects to win it.

And as former striker Ellen White aptly put it:

“They’re a juggernaut now — and they look impossible to stop.”