Having led for most of the season, Mikel Arteta’s team now holds a four-point advantage with one match left, and Sunday’s encounter at Crystal Palace will serve as their coronation.
Arsenal had secured a 1-0 victory against Burnley on May 18, meaning City needed a win on the south coast to keep the title race alive until the final day.
However, City fell behind to a first-half goal by Eli Junior Kroupi, and Erling Haaland’s stoppage time equalizer came too late for the visitors, who are rumored to part ways with manager Pep Guardiola at season’s end after a successful decade.
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Under Arteta, Arsenal had often been labeled as the nearly men after finishing second in the past three seasons.
At last, they’ve crossed the finish line, achieving the club’s 14th English title, behind only Manchester United and Liverpool, both of whom share the record with 20.
This marks Arsenal’s first title since 2003-04 when Arsene Wenger’s squad went through the season unbeaten, as well as their first major trophy since winning the FA Cup in 2020 during Arteta’s inaugural season after succeeding Unai Emery.
The memorable campaign could become even more remarkable for Arsenal as they are set to face Paris St Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest on May 30, aiming to secure the trophy for the first time. Achieving this would cement Arteta’s team as one of the greatest in the club’s 140-year history.
Celebrations in North London
Arsenal’s victory triggered massive celebrations across North London, even reaching 10 Downing Street, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer, an avid Gunners supporter, tweeted: “22 long years for Arsenal. But finally we’re back where we belong.”
Arteta, at just 44, is the youngest Arsenal manager to clinch the English top-flight title, and the day before, he remarked he would be Bournemouth’s biggest fan for a few hours on May 19.
Appropriately, the title was secured with assistance from close friend Andoni Iraola, whose Bournemouth team held City.
Arteta’s excitement resonated with Arsenal supporters in pubs and bars before they made their way en masse to the Emirates Stadium for a celebration that was expected to last late into the night.
Minutes after the final whistle at Bournemouth, throngs of Arsenal fans gathered, many igniting red flares.
The first-team squad and staff convened at the club’s training ground north of London, with videos shared of intense celebrations as the final whistle at Bournemouth confirmed the title was secured.
Arsenal’s triumph is rooted in the fierce intensity, defensive discipline, and meticulous detail instilled by the innovative Arteta, who has transformed the club’s culture both on and off the pitch.
Even after being overtaken at the top of the table by Manchester City in April after 200 days in first place, Arsenal’s belief remained steadfast, and they can now relish their victory after a gripping title race.
