LONDON — With the pressure lifted, sunshine breaking through, and the trophy finally raised, there were no restrictions on celebrations at Selhurst Park this Sunday.
Following spontaneous street gatherings in north London and Arsenal’s own watch-along at their training facility on Tuesday, as Manchester City relinquished the Premier League title, the club united to lift the trophy at Crystal Palace’s ground.
Arsenal triumphed over Palace with a score of 2-1, but the match itself will likely be overshadowed by the ensuing festivities. A slight delay was caused by Palace’s end-of-season awards and their lap of appreciation, but after 20 years, what’s a few more minutes?
Finally, Gunners staff walked onto the pitch clad in Arsenal’s white away kit, followed by players in their iconic red jerseys. The phrase “Champions 26” adorned the back of Arteta’s shirt, as well as those of his team. One by one, players received their medals, with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka sharing a kiss with the trophy, waiting for the moment to lift it high.
And then it happened. The unforgettable sight of captain Martin Ødegaard hoisting the trophy, surrounded by teammates, red fireworks exploding and ticker tape cascading down, will be forever etched in Arsenal’s legacy.
This moment marked a profound blend of relief and joy, being the first time since 2004 that they celebrated as England’s top team. Arteta, cradling the trophy, lowered it before lifting it high in sheer joy. Sporting director Andrea Berta danced alongside chief executive Richard Garlick, while players gave manager Mikel Arteta a celebratory lift.
The ride has been tumultuous for owners Kroenke Sports Enterprises. Co-chairs Stan Kroenke and his son Josh, once the target of heavy protests urging them to sell the club, received a hero’s welcome today after investing in Arteta and guiding the club to success.
With the trophy in hand, they marched across the pitch towards the 3,000 travelling supporters, basking in the glory of victory.
At the conclusion of a gripping and emotionally charged season, Arsenal has finally reached their destination.
Several moments highlight Arsenal’s significant progress, particularly this familiar corner of south London. In April 2017, the team suffered a 3-0 defeat here, leading fans to call for then-manager Arsène Wenger to depart. Fast forward five years, they faced another 3-0 loss in the same month, prompting Arteta to apologize for their performance.
However, today, amidst away supporters claiming their seats as the “Selhurst Park Champions Section,” Arsenal was crowned champions.
The 90 minutes of play felt like the calm in the storm for both clubs. Palace is set to compete against Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League Final on Wednesday, while Arsenal prepares for a Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain next.
This backdrop influenced the lineups, with Palace’s manager Oliver Glasner making five changes, and Arteta opting for an entirely new squad.
Everywhere you looked, it became clear that the match result was secondary—a relief for Arsenal after enduring mounting pressure: Kepa Arrizabalaga made his Premier League debut in goal and Christian Norgaard earned his first league start in midfield.
Martín Zubimendi started at right back, Myles Lewis-Skelly continued in midfield, and Max Dowman became the youngest starter in Premier League history at 16 years and 144 days, just after being the youngest title winner.
Dowman provided a spark that broke through Palace’s defenses to score the opener at the end of a gently paced half.
His clever flick found Gabriel Martinelli, who set up Gabriel Jesus; his shot deflected off Nathaniel Clyne and nestled into the net.
Jesus could have easily netted a hat trick, highlighting why Arsenal signed Viktor Gyökeres as his replacement and why they haven’t yet offered him a new contract, despite his existing one expiring next year.
But judging players today wasn’t the focus for Arsenal. Noni Madueke netted their second just three minutes into the second half, scoring again from a corner—making it 19 goals from set pieces this season.
Mikel Merino played 28 minutes in his first appearance since January 25 following a foot fracture, but a note of concern arose when Madueke hobbled off late in the game with a muscle injury.
True to Arsenal’s season, things concluded with a touch of tension. Substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta scored from Yéremy Pino’s cross in the 89th minute, and although Pino thought he had equalized moments later, the goal was disallowed for offside. Just imagine if the title had been on the line.
Fortunately, Arteta and Glasner could share a laugh on the touchline, the crucial matters already resolved, as Arsenal wrapped up their 26th victory of the season, finishing seven points clear at the top after Manchester City lost to Aston Villa.
They also made Premier League history by going an entire season without conceding a penalty or receiving a red card.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy, as improving discipline was a focus for Arteta when analyzing areas for growth following costly dismissals last season.
This time, however, there’s no need for a postmortem. While there will certainly be aims to continue evolving, the team can do so liberated from historical burdens, relishing their football as England’s champions, the unequivocal best team in the country.