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Arsenal have removed the “Champions” sign from the Emirates Stadium ahead of their Premier League clash with Chelsea on Sunday.
The sign was added outside the away end after Arsenal won the Premier League last season, lifting the trophy for the first time since 2004.
Arsenal remove “Champions” sign
However, the messaging has now been taken down as Arsenal look to focus on retaining the league title.
Fans were quick to react to the news on social media, with one writing: “Locked in for the current season… upto the boys to bring it back”.
Another wrote: “New season, new challenge…Go again. Taking it down is a sign of strength, a sign to say we go again and not taking the foot off the pedal after the success”.
The Gunners are the favourites to win the Premier League again this season and they have made a perfect start, picking up wins over Coventry City and Aston Villa in their opening games.
However, Sunday's clash with Chelsea will be their first major test in the league, with the Blues also unbeaten under Xabi Alonso after spending around £350m in the transfer window.
The Emirates Stadium has had the “Champions” messaging removed from the outside. 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/Lau4BDXhdV
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) September 5, 2026
Arteta and Alonso are lifelong friends who grew up together in San Sebastian and the Arsenal boss is looking forward to facing his Chelsea side.
“I spoke to him before [he joined Chelsea],” Arteta revealed in his pre-match press conference. “But yes, really happy for him, as I said.
“It's incredible because obviously we have the history that we have together, the same with [Liverpool manager] Andoni [Iraola] and to be facing each other in such a level and with the responsibility we have managing some of the top clubs in the country is a really beautiful thing to experience.
“Our relationship goes on for many, many years and we share some great moments together. That's natural, but now it's the competition and when you face each other you know what happens.”
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As many fans have suggested, perhaps the decision to remove the messaging is a sign Arsenal and Arteta want to be fully focused on the new season.
The Gunners are an incredibly impressive team and it would not be a surprise to see them lift the trophy again this season, with Sunday's game against Chelsea set to be a real litmus test.