Arsenal’s impressive start to the 2025/26 Premier League season continued on Sunday with a gritty 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage — a victory that not only extended their lead at the top of the table but also marked a defensive milestone unseen in over two decades.
Leandro Trossard’s close-range strike just before the hour was enough to secure all three points for Mikel Arteta’s side, their sixth league win of the season, putting them three points clear of Manchester City.
The win carried an air of nostalgia, evoking memories of Arsène Wenger’s 2003/04 “Invincibles”. According to talkSPORT, this is the first time since November 2003 that Arsenal have gone two consecutive Premier League games without facing a single shot on target — a feat achieved in matches against West Ham and Fulham.
Beyond their defensive solidity, Arsenal’s attack has shown impressive variety. Trossard’s winner made him the tenth different player to find the net for the club this season — the highest in the Premier League. Others on the scoresheet include Viktor Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel.
Aside from a narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in August, the Gunners have looked every bit like title contenders — resilient, balanced, and mature. Their ability to grind out results, even in tough away games, reflects the evolution of a team that has grown under Arteta’s leadership.
With 19 points from eight matches, Arsenal are just one point shy of their total at the same stage of the legendary 2003/04 campaign. As Manchester City struggle for consistency and Liverpool remain close behind, Arsenal’s defensive discipline and squad depth may prove decisive in the title race.
For Mikel Arteta, now leading his fourth straight title challenge, this campaign feels different. After three successive second-place finishes, the Spaniard will hope this combination of grit and fluidity finally ends Arsenal’s 22-year wait for the Premier League crown — and perhaps, just perhaps, writes a new chapter in their storied history.
