Kroenke's Challenge to Arsenal Fans: Building on Historic Success

Stan and Josh Kroenke have thrown down a fresh challenge to Arsenal’s supporters and players alike, urging the club to turn a historic year into a new era of sustained success.

On the eve of Arsenal’s Premier League title defence, the co-chairs used their joint programme notes ahead of Friday night’s opener against Coventry City to look back on a season they say “will forever be etched in our hearts” – and to insist that standing still is not an option.

A year that changed everything

The Kroenkes framed 2025/26 as a campaign that rewrote the club’s modern history. Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League crown and watched their women’s side conquer the globe as FIFA Women’s World Champions, a double triumph they described as creating “memories that will last a lifetime”.

The image that lingers for them is Selhurst Park. Arsenal lifting the Premier League trophy in south London was one thing; what followed, they said, turned it into something far bigger.

“Holding the trophy at Selhurst Park was a special moment, but what made it magical was sharing that joy with our supporters,” they wrote, pointing to celebrations that swept “from north London to the world”, cutting across borders, cultures and generations. The title party, in their eyes, underlined Arsenal’s ability to offer “pride, inspiration and belonging” to a global fanbase.

The title parade through north London carried the same weight. After the pain of losing the Champions League final, those streets packed with red and white felt like a reset, a unifying surge between club and crowd at the end of a draining, emotional year.

No time to bask in the glow

The sentiment was clear: enjoy the memories, but don’t live in them.

“While we will cherish the memories of last season, our focus is now on building on our success this season and beyond. Champions don’t stand still, they evolve and keep moving forward,” the Kroenkes wrote, setting the tone for a campaign in which Arsenal will be hunted rather than hunting.

They pointed to the summer as proof that the club’s momentum has not faded. Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and David Raya returned from international duty as World Cup winners with Spain, adding another layer of confidence around London Colney. Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City then served as an early marker that the competitive edge remains sharp.

Change at both ends of the squad

The message did not shy away from the churn that follows success. The Kroenkes acknowledged the exits of Leandro Trossard, Christian Norgaard, Jakub Kiwior, Karl Hein, Rosa Kafaji, Jenna Nighswonger and Laila Harbert, a group that spans both the men’s and women’s setups.

They also underlined the club’s attempt to refresh and deepen its talent pool. Pascal De Maesschalck has arrived as the new Academy Director, a strategic appointment aimed at tightening the pathway from youth to first team.

On the pitch, Arsenal have moved aggressively. Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis, Illan Meslier and Piero Hincapie bolster the men’s side, while Georgia Stanway, Ona Batlle, Selina Cerci, Geraldine Reuteler, Lisa Baum, Isabella Damm and Misa Rodriguez strengthen the women’s squad. It is a list that speaks to breadth as much as star power, a squad built to fight on several fronts again.

A call to arms

As Arsenal step out to defend their Premier League crown, the owners’ closing words were aimed straight at the stands and screens, at home and abroad.

“We’re excited for everything that lies ahead and we thank you, our Arsenal family – those here tonight and those tuning in around the globe – for your continued loyalty and support. We hope at end of the season we will be celebrating wildly together again and going one (or more) better across our teams.

“Enjoy the game and come on you Gunners!”

The message is simple enough: last season was unforgettable. Now prove it was only the beginning.