Arsenal claimed the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City couldn’t secure a win against Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Dominant in six of the last eight seasons, Man City required a victory to close the gap on Arsenal to two points, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the season on Sunday.
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However, a goal from Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi in the 39th minute put City at a disadvantage, and while Erling Haaland managed a stoppage-time equalizer, it was not enough for Pep Guardiola’s team to secure the win they needed.
The final whistle sparked exuberant celebrations outside Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, with more festivities expected as the north London club heads to face Crystal Palace on Sunday for the season’s closing match.
Midfielder Declan Rice shared a photo on Instagram celebrating with his teammates, captioned: “I told you all… it’s done.”
This marks Arsenal’s 14th English title, placing them behind only Liverpool and Manchester United, who each have 20. It’s their first championship since 2003-04 when the “Invincibles” went unbeaten under Arsene Wenger.
Mikel Arteta’s squad is also set to compete in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30, aiming to capture their first European title and conclude what would be their most remarkable season.
Arteta, who became manager in 2019, is the first former Premier League player to guide a team to the title.
There will be a blend of celebration and relief for the former Arsenal and Everton midfielder, who has finished as a runner-up in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons.
In consecutive seasons in 2023 and ’24, he witnessed Guardiola’s City come from behind to take the title, and another opportunity was missed last year when finishing second to Liverpool.
Throughout most of this season, Arsenal led the league, and despite seeing their points cushion shrink during a thrilling finish to the campaign, they ultimately achieved their long-awaited triumph after decades.
Their success has been founded on strong defensive work and effectiveness from set pieces, having allowed a league-low 26 goals while keeping 19 clean sheets; they also scored the highest in the league with 24 goals from set pieces. Additionally, their 18 goals from corner kicks this season are the most recorded by any team in Premier League history.
Since their last title, Arsenal has watched Chelsea, Manchester United, City, Leicester, and Liverpool each lift the trophy. This marks the first occasion since 2017 that a club other than City or Liverpool has been crowned champion.
The lead-up to the game was tinged with speculation about Guardiola’s potential departure at season’s end after a decade with the club.
He aimed to secure his seventh title in England and a second domestic treble after winning the League Cup and FA Cup this year. Yet, Kroupi’s curling shot late in the first half left City facing an uphill battle.
Bournemouth missed additional chances to extend their lead, while Haaland ensured a nail-biting finish for Arsenal supporters by equalizing in the fifth minute of added time.
“Congratulations to Arsenal,” Guardiola stated during his news conference. “Mikel, staff, backroom team, fans, for this Premier League title. Well deserved. At the same time, this has been one of the toughest years for my managing career. It was a season where we faced remarkable challenges that were beyond our control. Never give up; I would have preferred that we reach the last moment, but it was out of our hands. Today, fatigue was noticeable.”
This report is contributed by the Associated Press and ESPN Research.