Arsenal have been crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
City, who had won six of the last eight league titles, needed victory to keep the title race alive until the final day of the season. However, Bournemouth frustrated Pep Guardiola’s side and ended their hopes of retaining the trophy.
Junior Kroupi gave Bournemouth the lead in the 39th minute with a fine finish, leaving City with a difficult task in the second half. Norwegian striker Erling Haaland scored a late equaliser in stoppage time, but it was not enough as City failed to find the winning goal they desperately needed.
The result confirmed Arsenal as Premier League champions before their final game of the season against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Wild celebrations broke out outside Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium after the final whistle, with supporters celebrating the club’s first league title since the famous “Invincibles” season of 2003/2004 under former manager Arsène Wenger.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice also celebrated on Instagram, posting a picture with his teammates alongside the caption: “I told you all … it’s done.”
The title is Arsenal’s 14th English league crown, moving them closer to rivals Liverpool FC and Manchester United, who both have 20 league titles.
Manager Mikel Arteta has now guided Arsenal back to the top after several years of near misses. Since taking charge in 2019, Arteta has transformed the club into one of the strongest teams in England.
The former Arsenal and Everton midfielder becomes the first ex-Premier League player to win the title as a manager. Arsenal had previously finished second in the league for three straight seasons.
This season’s success has been built on a strong defence and dangerous set-pieces. Arsenal have conceded only 26 league goals in 37 matches and kept 19 clean sheets. They have also scored 24 goals from set-pieces, including a record 18 from corners.
Arsenal’s excellent campaign could become even more memorable as they prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final on May 30. The North London club will hope to win Europe’s biggest trophy for the first time in their history.
