Arsenal have made an impressive start to the 2026/27 football season, and the early signs suggest Mikel Arteta’s side are ready for another serious challenge for major trophies.
After winning their opening Premier League matches and overcoming Chelsea 2–1 at the Emirates, Arsenal have shown several qualities that could become important throughout the campaign. The team has combined defensive organisation, midfield strength and attacking quality while also adding several new players during the summer transfer window.
With the Champions League now beginning, Arsenal face an important period that could shape their season.
Arsenal’s Strong Start to the New Season
The Gunners entered the new campaign with high expectations following their success last season.
Arsenal began their Premier League campaign with a 3–0 victory over Coventry City before defeating Aston Villa 1–0. Their third league match brought another important result as they came from behind to beat Chelsea 2–1.
That perfect start has given Arsenal early momentum.
The victory over Chelsea was particularly impressive because Arsenal had to respond after Morgan Rogers scored very early for the visitors. Kai Havertz brought Arsenal level before Martin Ødegaard completed the comeback after half-time.
The ability to win after conceding first could become extremely valuable during a long Premier League season.
Arsenal’s Defence Remains a Major Strength
One of the most encouraging aspects of Arsenal’s recent performances has been their defensive organisation.
Arteta has built a team that prioritises structure, pressing and positional discipline. Arsenal’s defenders are supported by the midfield and attacking players, creating a system that makes it difficult for opponents to find clear opportunities.
Recent analysis has highlighted Arsenal’s defensive numbers and the importance of their organised approach. The team has placed significant emphasis on preventing counterattacks and maintaining defensive protection while attacking.
This could become one of the biggest differences between Arsenal and their title rivals.
Over a 38-match Premier League campaign, consistency at the back can be just as important as scoring goals.
Ødegaard Continues to Be Important
Martin Ødegaard remains one of Arsenal’s most influential players.
The Norwegian midfielder has an important role in controlling Arsenal’s attacks, creating chances and connecting the midfield with the forwards.
His goal against Chelsea was another reminder of his ability to arrive in dangerous positions. His movement and technical quality give Arsenal another attacking option when opponents concentrate on stopping the team’s forwards.
If Ødegaard maintains his fitness and form, he could play a central role in Arsenal’s title defence.
Havertz Provides More Than Goals
Kai Havertz has also become an important part of Arsenal’s attacking system.
His goal against Chelsea demonstrated his finishing ability, but his overall contribution is broader than simply scoring.
Havertz can link play, create space for teammates and contribute defensively. Against Chelsea, his movement also helped create the situation that led to Ødegaard’s winning goal.
That versatility gives Arteta more tactical options.
New Signings Add More Depth
Arsenal were active during the summer transfer window, particularly in midfield and defence.
The club brought in players including Bruno Guimarães, Martín Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze and Ezri Konsa, while also making Piero Hincapié’s move permanent.
These additions could become extremely important because Arsenal are competing in several competitions.
The Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups will require Arteta to rotate his squad. Having quality alternatives in different positions can help reduce the impact of injuries and fatigue.
The Attacking Depth Question
Despite the positive start, Arsenal still have questions to answer in attack.
The club saw several attacking players leave during the summer, including Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus. Arsenal also missed out on some major attacking targets before the transfer window closed.
That means the existing forwards will have increased responsibility.
Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres are expected to be particularly important, while other players will need to contribute goals throughout the season.
If Arsenal can keep their main attackers fit, their attacking options could still prove sufficient for a title challenge.
Arsenal’s Champions League Challenge Begins
The next major test comes in Europe.
Arsenal are scheduled to face Napoli away from home on September 9 in their opening Champions League league-phase match.
It will be a difficult trip and an important opportunity for Arteta’s team to demonstrate that their strong domestic form can translate to European competition.
Arsenal will also face major opponents during the Champions League league phase, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
The European schedule means squad rotation and player fitness will be crucial.
A Busy September for Arsenal
The Napoli match is only the beginning of a demanding period.
Arsenal are scheduled to face Sunderland in the Premier League on September 12, followed by Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup on September 15 and Brighton later in the month.
This run of fixtures will test the depth of Arteta’s squad.
Winning early-season matches is encouraging, but maintaining that level while playing twice a week is a completely different challenge.
Can Arsenal Win the Premier League Again?
It is still far too early to predict the final Premier League standings, but Arsenal have already shown several characteristics of a championship team.
They have started strongly, defended well and demonstrated the ability to recover from difficult situations.
The 2–1 victory over Chelsea was particularly significant because it showed Arsenal could remain composed after falling behind against a strong opponent.
The biggest challenge will be maintaining consistency.
Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and other ambitious clubs will all be competing for the title. Arsenal cannot afford long periods of poor form if they want to finish at the top again.
What Arsenal Fans Should Watch This Season
There are several important questions that will define Arsenal’s campaign:
- Can Arsenal maintain their defensive consistency?
- Can Bukayo Saka remain fit throughout the season?
- Will Viktor Gyökeres become a regular source of goals?
- Can Ødegaard maintain his influence in midfield?
- Will the new signings adapt quickly?
- Can Arsenal compete strongly in both England and Europe?
- How will Arteta rotate the squad during busy periods?
The answers to these questions could determine whether Arsenal finish the season with another Premier League title or major European success.
Final Thoughts
Arsenal have given their supporters plenty of reasons for optimism at the beginning of the 2026/27 season.
The squad looks stronger in several areas, the defence remains one of the team’s biggest strengths and Arteta has plenty of experienced players capable of handling pressure.
The comeback against Chelsea added another positive chapter to the opening weeks of the campaign.
However, the real test is still ahead. With the Champions League beginning and a packed domestic schedule approaching, Arsenal will need consistency, fitness and squad depth.
For now, the Gunners have made the perfect kind of start: strong results, improving performances and growing confidence.
The next few weeks will show whether that early momentum can develop into another genuine Premier League title challenge.
FAQs About Arsenal
Who is Arsenal’s manager in 2026/27?
Mikel Arteta remains Arsenal’s manager and continues to oversee the team’s tactical development.
How did Arsenal start the 2026/27 Premier League season?
Arsenal began the campaign strongly, including victories over Coventry City, Aston Villa and Chelsea.
Who scored Arsenal’s winning goal against Chelsea?
Martin Ødegaard scored Arsenal’s second goal in the 2–1 comeback victory over Chelsea.
Who will Arsenal play next in the Champions League?
Arsenal are scheduled to face Napoli away on September 9, 2026, in their opening Champions League league-phase match.
Can Arsenal win the Premier League again?
Arsenal have made a strong early start, but the title race is long. Their ability to maintain defensive consistency, avoid injuries and manage the Champions League schedule will be crucial.