Mikel Arteta is challenging Arsenal to change history as the club enters 2026 leading the Premier League. A 4-1 victory over Aston Villa confirmed first place heading into the new year, but past seasons show that this position has not brought the trophy.

Since the 2003-04 title win, Arsenal have started five calendar years on top of the Premier League and failed to finish as champions each time. The most recent example came in 2022-23, when Arsenal ended five points behind Manchester City.

Arteta addressed that record before the upcoming trip to Bournemouth and stressed that this group wants a different outcome. When asked about the statistic, Arteta responded with a clear message. "Let's break it," said Arteta when asked about the statistic.

Arsenal’s current league form suggests a strong response. The team has suffered only one defeat in the last 16 Premier League matches, winning 12 and drawing three. Arsenal have also produced four straight league victories since a 2-1 loss away to Aston Villa earlier in the campaign.

The club’s results in first league games of a calendar year also look encouraging. Across the last 10 years, Arsenal have lost only once in opening league fixtures, winning seven and drawing two. That single defeat was a 2-1 home loss to Manchester City on New Years Day 2022.

Arsenal now visit Bournemouth with a largely positive scoring record in this fixture. The team have failed to score in only one of 16 Premier League meetings with Bournemouth. That exception came in the same away fixture last season, when Bournemouth earned a 2-0 victory.

"That's what the players transmit every single day when they're with us, training, and in every match. You can see their desire. You can see the energy that they put in, and how much they want it. There are still five months to go. Let's take it day-by-day, enjoy that process of being where we are, and go for it."

With five months of league football remaining, Arsenal hold first place yet face a familiar test. Arteta’s squad carries strong form, historical warning signs, and a clear message from the manager into the Bournemouth match and the wider Premier League title race.