Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League trophy by beating Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park to complete a memorable season.
The Gunners, already confirmed as champions earlier in the week, wrapped up the campaign in style with goals from Gabriel Jesus and substitute Noni Madueke either side of half-time. Jean-Philippe Mateta pulled one back for Palace, but Arsenal held on to finish on 85 points, seven clear of Manchester City, who were beaten by Aston Villa in Pep Guardiola’s final match in charge.
Captain Martin Ødegaard led the celebrations after the final whistle, lifting the trophy in front of the travelling Arsenal fans. The scenes of jubilation underlined the significance of a title the club had not won since 2003/04.
Team changes and a young debutant
Both managers rotated ahead of upcoming European finals: Mikel Arteta and Oliver Glasner rested several regulars. Arsenal handed a rare start to 16-year-old Max Dowman, who at 16 years and 144 days became the youngest Premier League starter in history. Dowman played a telling role in the opener, his first-time flick setting Gabriel Martinelli away to tee up Jesus, who finished clinically at Dean Henderson’s near post after earlier misses.
Arsenal’s second came from a set-piece sequence that exemplified their season-long threat from corners. Kai Havertz, on as a substitute, headed a deep corner back across the box and Madueke volleyed home amid bodies to make it 2-0 — Arsenal’s 19th goal from a corner this campaign, a new Premier League single-season record.
Late drama and VAR decision
Crystal Palace looked to snatch a late draw after Mateta reduced the deficit, and Yeremy Pino thought he had restored parity when he finished moments after setting up Mateta. However, the goal was correctly ruled out for offside against Evann Guessand, denying Palace a reprieve and preserving Arsenal’s victory.
Injury and fitness notes
Mikel Merino came on as a substitute, providing a boost ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain after recovering from a foot injury. Palace suffered a concern of their own when Adam Wharton was forced off injured ahead of their Conference League final with Rayo Vallecano.
Player highlights and honours
Noni Madueke was named player of the match after his decisive volley. Several Arsenal players earned strong marks for their contributions: goalkeeper Kepa and defenders including Martin Zubimendi and new signings drew praise, while Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli provided the cutting edge. Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and substitutes who came on were noted for their efforts in a spirited home performance.
Opta milestones
– Arsenal scored 19 goals from corners this season, the most by any side in a single Premier League campaign.
– Martin Zubimendi became just the second player to win the title while playing every game in his debut Premier League season.
– Arsenal finished the season without conceding a penalty or receiving a red card — a first in Premier League history.
Arteta on the achievement
Mikel Arteta reflected on relief and joy after the match, saying the reaction from fans made every difficult moment worthwhile. He praised the team’s connection, commitment and courage, and spoke of the emotional lift of finally delivering the title for supporters who had waited decades.
What comes next
Arsenal now turn their attention to the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on Saturday, while Crystal Palace prepare for the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig. Both clubs will hope to extend historic domestic achievements onto the European stage.
A landmark season ends with silverware, records and a young player making history — and Arsenal leave Selhurst Park to savour a title that has long eluded the club.