LONDON — Arsenal have been crowned Premier League champions, ending a painful 22-year drought to lift their first English top-flight title since the legendary “Invincibles” era.
Mikel Arteta’s side sealed the historic triumph on Sunday afternoon with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The victory, secured via goals from Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke, marked the Gunners’ 26th league win of a relentless domestic campaign.
While Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta managed to claw back a late consolation goal for the hosts, it did nothing to dampen the spirits of the traveling support or delay the post-match coronation.
A Midweek Gift from Bournemouth
Though Sunday provided the mathematical exclamation point, the title had already been effectively delivered to North London five days earlier.
Arsenal were officially confirmed as champions on Tuesday night following Manchester City’s surprise failure to beat Bournemouth. That slip-up left Pep Guardiola’s side trailing the Gunners by four points heading into the final round of matches, deflating the pressure on Arteta’s men before they even arrived in south London.
The triumph represents Arsenal’s 14th English league title in their history, and their absolute first since Arsène Wenger guided the unbeaten 2003/2004 squad to immortality over two decades ago.
Guardiola Disappointment and Final Day Drama
Arsenal’s celebrations were further sweetened by misery across the rest of the division:
- The Chasers: Outgoing champions Manchester City saw Pep Guardiola’s domestic farewell further spoiled by a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
- The Consolations: City talisman Erling Haaland did, however, find some solace by being officially crowned the Premier League’s top goalscorer once again.
- The Rivals: Across London, fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur narrowly survived a tense relegation battle, while West Ham United were officially condemned to the Championship after a 14-year stay in the top flight.
Budapest Awaits
The Arsenal players were presented with the Premier League trophy on the pitch at Selhurst Park immediately after the final whistle, sparking wild celebrations in the away end.
However, Arteta’s squad will have little time to nurse their hangovers. Attention now shifts dramatically to the European stage as the newly crowned English champions prepare for a historic double-or-nothing showdown.
Arsenal will travel to Budapest, Hungary, to face defending European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final on May 30, aiming to add continental glory to their domestic crown.
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