Arsenal’s Premier League Seasons Following Every Community Shield Win

Arsenal’s Premier League Seasons After Each Community Shield Triumph

Arsenal set a strong tone with their recent Community Shield win over Manchester City, sparking hopes of consecutive Premier League titles after their first league triumph in 22 years. Despite minimal changes in the summer, Mikel Arteta’s squad exudes a confidence that seems unmatched by their rivals. The defeat exposed some weaknesses in Manchester City, showing Pep Guardiola’s side isn’t invincible anymore.

But this pattern of high expectations following a Community Shield victory isn't new for Arsenal. They have won England’s version of the “Super Cup” nine times since 1992. Let’s look at how the team performed in the Premier League seasons that followed each of these wins.

1998–99 Season

Arsenal claimed a commanding 3–0 Community Shield victory against Manchester United after winning the league in 1997–98 with 78 points. Despite matching that points tally the next season, they finished second, losing out to United by a single point. A poor start with four draws in five games and crucial losses towards the end cost them dearly.

1999–00 Season

The Gunners again defeated Manchester United 2–1 in the Community Shield. New signing Thierry Henry shone, finishing as top scorer with 26 goals. But despite an eight-game winning streak late in the season, inconsistent form prevented Arsenal from overcoming United, who secured another title with 91 points.

2002–03 Season

After losing veterans Lee Dixon and Tony Adams, and with Patrick Vieira as captain, Arsenal entered the season as reigning champions. Thierry Henry dazzled, but United’s Ruud van Nistelrooy outscored him, helping United reclaim the title. Arsenal led much of the season but faltered late, especially after a costly draw with United and a defeat by Leeds United, who ensured their survival and handed United the crown.

2004–05 Season

The famous "Invincibles" season was followed by a tough campaign. Despite high hopes, Chelsea under José Mourinho dominated, setting records with 95 points and just 15 goals conceded. Arsenal recovered to finish second but were 12 points behind the champions.

2014–15 Season

After a decade without a Community Shield appearance, Arsenal crushed reigning champions Manchester City 3–0. Alexis Sánchez’s arrival sparked optimism as he netted 16 league goals. Yet a 2–0 loss to Chelsea exposed the gap between Arsenal and the eventual champions. They finished third, securing Champions League qualification but lacking a serious title challenge.

2015–16 Season

This was the season of Leicester City's shock title. Arsenal beat Leicester twice, including a dramatic 2–1 win at home, but inconsistent results elsewhere meant they finished 10 points behind the Foxes. Despite an unbeaten end to the campaign, Spurs finished ahead, leaving Arsenal in second place.

2017–18 Season

In Arsène Wenger's final year, Arsenal won the Community Shield on penalties against Chelsea but struggled throughout the league. They ended sixth with 63 points, their lowest since 1995–96, despite big-money signings Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang combining for 24 goals. Defensive frailties led to 13 defeats.

2020–21 Season

Starting well but soon hitting a rough patch, Arsenal fell to 15th by December, putting Arteta’s job in jeopardy. A switch to youth players like Emile Smith Rowe helped spark a 3–1 win over Chelsea and a subsequent four victories in five games. Although no major turnaround followed, a five-game winning streak at season's end lifted them to eighth.

2023–24 Season

Arsenal re-emerged as serious contenders, scoring their second-highest Premier League points total (89) since the Invincibles era. Declan Rice’s $131 million transfer showed their ambitions. Despite a near-perfect run, a single loss to Aston Villa proved costly as Manchester City sealed the title. Still, this was their best points haul after a Community Shield win, though they’ve yet to convert such a start into a league crown.

• Community Shield Wins: 18 (Only Manchester United have more with 21)
• Recent Result: 3–0 win over Manchester City in 2026
• Notable Players: Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Alexis Sánchez, Mesut Özil, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice
• Managers: Arsène Wenger, Mikel Arteta