Full Breakdown
Arsenal Crowned Premier League Champions After 22-Year Drought
5/24/2026, 10:17:58 PM
Title Triumph at Selhurst Park
Arsenal secured the Premier League title on 24 May 2026 after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth. A 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park confirmed the championship, and Martin Ødegaard lifted the trophy before 2,687 fans as Stan Kroenke presented the silverware.
Background & Context
Arsenal’s previous league triumph was in 2003-04. The 2025/26 campaign saw the Gunners lead from October, overcoming criticism of a defensive, set-piece-oriented style, and Bournemouth’s draw with City sealed the title after a 22-year drought.
Key Figures & Groups
Manager Mikel Arteta guided the side. Captain Martin Ødegaard lifted the trophy. Key contributors included Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres and Declan Rice. Goalkeeper David Raya and a back-four recorded 19 clean sheets.
Data & Statistics
Arsenal finished with 82 points from 25 wins, scoring 69 goals and conceding 26 while keeping 19 clean sheets. Viktor Gyökeres was top scorer with 14 goals; Ødegaard, Rice and Saka each supplied seven assists. The team recorded eight 1-0 victories, the most in the league.
Official Statements & Responses
Arteta called the achievement “one of the best feelings I’ve ever had” and said, “We had 48 hours to enjoy the success of winning the league and now we prepare for the Champions League final.” Paul Scholes had earlier dismissed Arsenal as “the worst Premier League title winners ever.” Supporters’ chant “Set-piece FC” highlighted criticism of the team’s reliance on dead-ball situations.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics such as Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler called Arsenal’s style “unwatchable” and accused them of “time-wasting.” Liverpool’s Arne Slot noted they were “a different champion to the last 10 seasons.” Despite the remarks, Arsenal kept the league lead throughout.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the number of fans at the trophy ceremony: the Guardian records 2,687 attendees, while fan estimates claim up to 150,000 gathered outside Selhurst Park. No official count has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “On beating Pep Guardiola and Manchester City to the Premier League title, the Arsenal boss said: "They’ve been a huge part of that journey, and Pep has been a huge part of that journey.” — Mikel Arteta, post-match press conference.
- “Arteta said: "It’s one of the best feelings I've ever had.” — Mikel Arteta, after lifting the trophy.
- “What a surprise” — Mikel Arteta, responding sarcastically to Fabian Hurzeler’s time-wasting comment.
- “But for me they have been a different champion to the last 10 seasons.” — Arne Slot, after Arsenal’s title win.
What’s Next
Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on 30 May 2026 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest. Arteta said the team must “prepare well” and “write a new story” for the club.
