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From Bottlers to EPL Champions After 22 Years: How Arteta Finally Took Arsenal Out of Man City’s Shadow
Sanjeev Kumar | May 20, 2026 3:23 PM CST


Success brought a different kind of fear. For years, Arsenal fans desperately wanted a title challenge. But as the season intensified, hope slowly transformed into anxiety.

The Emirates began feeling tense.

A home defeat against Manchester United in January produced genuine boos from supporters after Matheus Cunha’s late winner completed a miserable run.

By March, even victories were met with groans.

Then came a damaging home loss against AFC Bournemouth — a match that could have moved Arsenal 12 points clear. Instead, frustration exploded around the stadium.

Players noticed it.

They spoke privately about the atmosphere. It became impossible to ignore.

Arteta himself seemed increasingly tense.

Before one match, he passionately urged supporters to arrive early and create noise: “Bring your lunch, bring your dinner…”

Then Arsenal produced a dreadful performance.

Days later came one of his strangest press conferences.

“No fear. Pure fire,” Arteta declared emotionally before a Champions League match against Sporting CP.

As he continued speaking, it felt less like a media briefing and more like a man pleading for recognition.

He reminded reporters Arsenal had reached the Champions League quarter-finals three seasons in a row. He argued that achievements once considered impossible were now being taken for granted.

The pressure was visible.

For perhaps the first time during his reign, Arteta looked vulnerable.

Then came the defeat at the Etihad.

And somehow, that became the turning point.

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