Speaking exclusively to Football Presse on behalf of William Hill News' Champions League final guide, Winterburn also drew direct parallels with his own experience in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when Arsenal built the foundations of a winning culture that he believes is now being restored under Mikel Arteta.
For Winterburn, the moment the title was confirmed was deeply personal as well as professional.
âAll of that and more. Like everyone, 22 years has been too long. Working at club since I finished playing and so desperate to win a title. Iâve been so confident all season, every interview, I have been adamant this is Arsenalâs year, the squad, the quality, I was firmly in the belief, this was it.
"So initial reaction was pure happiness that they got over the line. You can see it in all the playersâ eyes too.â
That sense of emotional release is something Winterburn understands from experience. He was part of Arsenalâs title-winning sides under George Graham in 1989 and 1991, and he believes this current group have carried a similar psychological burden in modern, far more intense conditions.
âYes, massively, theyâve been through a lot. 2nd 3 times, so close on two occasions, social media frenzy of 2nd again, the doubters crept in. But this year they showed strength, they showed experience, then showed calmness towards the end to get the job done. It wasnât easy.
"You are right in saying there was questioning on Mikel Artetaâs future if they hadnât won. Now itâs the opposite, with talk of a new contract and more transfer budget to improve the squad. So they came through the tough times, weathered the Manchester City comeback, but came out on top and everyone deserves this title.â
That mention of resilience resonates strongly with Winterburnâs own era. Arsenalâs late-80s title win at Anfield was defined by pressure, discipline, and mental strength, something he sees mirrored in the modern squad even if the environment is vastly different.
âLess pressure as no social media, but we should have won the league before the final game, so we had pressure on ourselves as we approached the final game of the season. But George Graham seemed to take that pressure away from us as we approached the game and it worked.
"The party was similar for sure. Fans hit the streets of North London, as players we had a great celebration in London and the relief was there for all to see and the happiness from the players and fans was evident for all to see. So I can feel their relief, I can feel their joy and itâs great we can now put this second tag behind us and move on now. I work at the club most match days and feel the energy inside and now this steps up with the title win.â
That âenergy insideâ the club, Winterburn suggests, is what separates Arsenal today from the near-misses of recent seasons. He believes the squadâs collective experience has fundamentally changed its mentality.
âIt changes it a lot. We won the league in 1989 and then again in 1991. I think this team can go on and win more trophies next season and this confidence of winning the league will hugely affect what happens next. They have got this monkey off their back and now confidence can be a lot higher, less pressure, more freedom in their play and with more signings to come, they will push on and look to win more.
"It gives so much confidence, so much belief, this unit and squad can feel it as well, you see how they celebrated, how there is a great feeling, they know what it took to win, so know what it takes to continue to be successful and win again.â
Momentum now with Arsenal facing PSG
Winterburn also believes the timing of the title win could not be more important, with Arsenal now heading into a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain carrying momentum rather than anxiety. That shift, he argues, is crucial at elite level.
âYes, they can carry this on. Imagine if they hadnât won the league. It would have been so difficult this week, so much pressure, coming up against one of the best teams in Europe. Now, I am confident Arsenal can win this weekend.
"They have the defensive stability, they have the resolve, they have the confidence, they all know their roles and they can be clinical in attack and then the defence do what it does best and stifle oppositions and become Champions League winners. It will be tough, it will be difficult, but this season has been that and Arsenal have overcome a lot.â
The contrast with Paris Saint-Germainâs attacking power ensures the final will still be a severe test, but Winterburn insists Arsenalâs structure gives them a genuine chance against elite opposition.
âYou canât really single out one player. Itâs a team game and yes defensively Arsenal have to be excellent with the back five, but Arsenal defend from the front, so defensively they start from Viktor Gyökeres. David Raya will have to have a big game, full backs will have to be switched on.
"Arsenal will have to win the ball back well in midfield and look to control the game in their pace. And yes, Viktor Gyökeres and Bukayo Saka are key as chances may be a premium, so itâs important weâre clinical.â
For Winterburn, the key thread linking past and present is collective responsibility rather than individual brilliance. Just as his Arsenal sides were built on cohesion and repetition of roles, he sees the same foundations now re-emerging under Mikel Arteta.
From the terraces of Highbury to the modern pressures of the Premier League and Champions League era, Winterburnâs perspective frames this title not just as a trophy, but as a cultural reset.
Arsenal, he suggests, have rediscovered something deeper than form: the expectation to win, and the belief that they belong at the very top again.