Arsenal have been crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years, sealing the title after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.
After finishing runners-up three times in recent seasons, Mikel Arteta’s side topped the table for much of the campaign and held firm when it mattered most. Their challenge briefly faltered in April after a 2-1 defeat at Manchester City, a result that looked to swing momentum to Pep Guardiola’s team. Arsenal, however, rallied in the run-in and confirmed their first league crown since the unbeaten “Invincibles” season of 2003/04.
The triumph ends a six-year run without silverware for the club and is Arteta’s second major trophy as manager. The squad celebrated together at their London Colney training ground as the result elsewhere made the title official; the Premier League trophy will be presented after Arsenal’s final game of the season at Crystal Palace.
Players and former stars took to social media to mark the moment. Midfielder Declan Rice shared a picture with team-mates and the caption: “I told you all.. it’s done.” Captain Martin Ødegaard was pictured holding up the now-infamous bottle that a City fan used to taunt Arsenal earlier in the season. Arsène Wenger, who managed the club to their last league win in 2004, posted a message of congratulations: “You did it. Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment.”
Former Arsenal forward Alan Smith praised Arteta’s work, saying the team’s defensive consistency had been key: “Brilliant! It’s fully deserved. As an overall unit Mikel Arteta has done incredibly well.” Smith added that, with the league secured, Arsenal can approach their Champions League final next week with greater freedom.
Arsenal now have a chance to secure more history: they face defending European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest on Saturday, May 30. Many supporters and pundits expect the title win to lift pressure on the squad and allow them to play with less anxiety in that showpiece.
Fans’ reactions online were mixed: many celebrated the long-awaited success and praised Arteta’s project, while some criticised the team’s style of play across the season. Supporters highlighted the importance of patience, defensive solidity and key moments from players such as Gabriel and Bukayo Saka in the run-in.
Quick facts:
– How the title was confirmed: Man City 1-1 Bournemouth allowed Arsenal to finish top of the table.
– Last league win: 2003/04, Arsenal’s Invincibles season.
– Trophy presentation: After Arsenal’s final Premier League game at Crystal Palace.
– Next fixtures: Sunday May 24 – Crystal Palace (Premier League); Saturday May 30 – Champions League final v PSG (Budapest).
The league victory completes a long-term rebuild and gives Arsenal momentum heading into the Champions League final — and the club’s fans a long-awaited chance to properly celebrate a domestic crown.