LONDON, MAY 20 (AP): Arsenal ended its two-decade-long drought by clinching the Premier League title for the first time since 2004, following Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth. The result gave Mikel Arteta’s side an unassailable four-point lead, sparking jubilant celebrations across London and beyond.
Arsenal’s crowning moment came after years of near misses. Under Arteta, the club had finished runner-up three seasons in a row — twice to Guardiola’s City and once to Liverpool. This season, however, the Gunners held firm despite a tense run-in, finally crossing the finish line. Declan Rice captured the mood with a celebratory post on social media, declaring, “I told you all… it’s done.”
Fans erupted outside the Emirates Stadium, lighting flares and chanting in the streets, while players gathered at the training ground to watch City’s match unfold. The draw confirmed Arsenal’s 14th league title and marked the beginning of what many hope will be a new era of dominance.
Arsenal’s last triumph came in 2004 with Arsène Wenger’s “Invincibles,” who famously went unbeaten throughout the campaign. Since then, the Premier League trophy has rotated among Chelsea, Manchester United, City, Leicester, and Liverpool. This year’s victory breaks the duopoly of City and Liverpool, who had dominated since 2017.
Arteta, once Guardiola’s assistant at City, has now surpassed his mentor. At 44, he becomes the second-youngest coach to win the Premier League, behind José Mourinho. His side may not mirror Wenger’s free-flowing style, but their defensive solidity and set-piece mastery proved decisive.
Manchester City entered the Bournemouth clash needing a win to keep the title race alive. Junior Kroupi’s 39th-minute strike put City under pressure, and despite Erling Haaland’s stoppage-time equalizer, they failed to secure victory.
The result leaves Guardiola without a league title for two consecutive seasons — a first in his illustrious career. Speculation about his departure looms large, with Enzo Maresco tipped as a possible successor. Guardiola had aimed for a seventh English title and another domestic treble, but the draw dashed those hopes.
While Arsenal celebrates, attention will soon shift to the Champions League final on May 30 against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain. Victory there would secure the club’s first-ever European crown, adding further glory to an already historic season.
Relegation battle intensifies
At the other end of the table, Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Tottenham has left Spurs in danger of relegation. Tottenham sits just two points above West Ham, who occupy the final drop zone spot.
The final day promises drama: West Ham vs Leeds — West Ham must win to have any chance of survival. Tottenham vs Everton — A draw should be enough for Spurs due to superior goal difference, while a win guarantees safety.
Arsenal’s triumph is more than just a title; it is a symbolic end to years of frustration and a statement of intent for the future. Arteta’s men now stand alongside legends like Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, while fans dream of European glory to cap off a remarkable season.
