Arsenal Crowned 2025-26 Premier League Champions: A Player-by-Player Review

Arsenal has officially ended their long wait for a Premier League title, securing their first championship since the legendary 'Invincibles' season. The 2025-26 campaign saw a collective effort, but individual brilliance and strategic depth were crucial to their triumph, according to a recent player-by-player rating from The Guardian Football RSS. David Raya, Declan Rice, and the defensive unit emerged as central figures in this historic achievement.

Raya's Golden Glove Season

David Raya's performance throughout the season has been nothing short of exceptional. There is a strong argument that the Spaniard was not only Arsenal’s player of the season but also the best goalkeeper in the entire division. His consistent heroics, from a crucial save against Manchester United's Matheus Cunha on the opening weekend to an extraordinary stop against West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, repeatedly rescued his team from precarious situations. Raya's stellar form culminated in him securing his third successive Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets, underscoring his vital role in Arsenal's success.

Defensive Foundation

The defensive line was a bedrock for Arsenal, demonstrating resilience and tactical flexibility. Jurriën Timber, despite a nagging groin injury that sidelined him since March, was arguably Arsenal’s most consistent outfield player before his layoff, contributing three goals and five assists. Winning an individual battle against the Netherlands defender was among the toughest propositions in the Premier League. Cristhian Mosquera adapted impressively in his debut season, stepping up when William Saliba was injured early in the season and proving comfortable in central defence, occasionally filling in at right-back.

Ben White had a season marked by injury and competition for his spot but showed glimpses of his attacking prowess in partnership with Bukayo Saka before another serious injury curtailed his campaign. Riccardo Calafiori started as a back-four mainstay, scoring a vital winner against Manchester United and providing two assists against Leeds. Nagging injuries impacted his playing time in the latter half of the season, but he remained the first-choice left-back. Piero Hincapié, a last-minute loan signing from Bayer Leverkusen, proved invaluable with his fearless defending, offering a conventional alternative at left-back and earning a deserved permanent move for the summer. Gabriel Magalhães set a high standard early on, contributing significantly at both ends of the pitch with three goals and four assists, highlighting his influence. His absence due to a hamstring issue before Christmas coincided with a dip in results, indicating his importance. William Saliba, returning to his best form, added immense composure to Arsenal’s record-breaking defence, with his ability to stay on his feet and pace making him a formidable opponent for most strikers. At just 25, he is firmly in the conversation for the best defender in the world.

Midfield Dominance

The midfield was dominated by the formidable partnership of Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice. Zubimendi, joining in July, quickly formed a strong partnership with Rice, dominating opponents during Arsenal's blistering autumn form. Despite running out of gas in the final weeks, he had played more Premier League minutes than any other outfield player at one stage. Declan Rice, the England international, was the undisputed driving force of the team. Excelling in multiple roles—from a marauding No 8 to a deep-lying playmaker—and delivering some of the league's best corners, Rice spent more time on the pitch than any Arsenal player apart from Raya, underscoring his immense influence.

Key Player Contributions

• David Raya: Goalkeeper | 3rd successive Golden Glove winner | 9
• Declan Rice: Midfielder | Driving force, most outfield minutes | 9
• William Saliba: Defender | Defensive composure, back to best form | 9
• Jurriën Timber: Defender | Consistent performer, 3 goals & 5 assists | 8
• Eberechi Eze: Midfielder | 5 goals vs Spurs, crucial late-season impact | 8

Emerging Talents and Crucial Support

Myles Lewis-Skelly, after a somewhat challenging second season, found a new lease of life in midfield thanks to Mikel Arteta's "gut feeling" against Fulham, subsequently maintaining his place for three more games. His potential for the future is exciting. Martin Ødegaard, the captain, endured a frustrating season plagued by injuries, missing 13 league games and struggling to find his best form, registering only one Premier League goal. However, he stepped up when it mattered, providing a crucial assist for Leandro Trossard’s winner against West Ham. Mikel Merino, whose absence was keenly felt, reprised a part-time striker role for six matches in the autumn and made several starts in midfield before a broken foot in January ended his season, leaving a noticeable gap.

Eberechi Eze, a high-profile signing from Crystal Palace, achieved instant hero status with five goals in two matches against Tottenham, including a thrilling hat-trick at the Emirates. He demonstrated great resilience, coming back stronger after being dropped earlier in the season to make significant contributions during the title run-in. Ethan Nwaneri, after a brilliant breakthrough season, found opportunities limited to substitute appearances before a loan move to Marseille in January, leaving his future at the club uncertain.

The combined efforts of these players, both established stars and emerging talents, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, culminated in a truly memorable season for Arsenal and their supporters. The blend of defensive solidity, midfield dominance, and moments of attacking brilliance proved to be the winning formula that brought the Premier League trophy back to North London.

Source: The Guardian Football RSS – https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/19/arsenals-premier-league-title-winners-2025-26-player-by-player-ratings