The red half of North London woke to a collective hangover this morning following a night of celebration.
Arsenal are the champions of England once again after a wait of 22 years, sparking scenes of jubilation in pubs around the Emirates before fans congregated at the stadium to share in an historic moment.
Manchester City’s failure to win at Bournemouth last night means Arsenal go into Sunday’s final-day clash at Crystal Palace with a four-point lead and confirmed as title winners for the first time since the 2003/04 season.
It is vindication for the approach adopted by boss Mikel Arteta, prioritising substance over style, with his team’s success based around defensive solidity and set-piece excellence.
They are not always easy on the eye – as evidenced again during Tuesday’s nervy 1-0 win over Burnley – but few Gunners fans will care.
That certainly applied to those popping champagne corks and partying last night, including the players who gathered at the club’s training ground to watch the City game together.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright was also pictured enjoying himself with fellow fans.
PM and London mayor offer Arsenal congratulations
Wright was just one celebrity supporter delighted by Arsenal’s success.
Fellow Gooner Sir Kier Starmer, the Prime Minister, wrote on X: “22 long years for the Arsenal. But finally, we’re back where we belong. Champions!”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan added: “Congratulations to Arsenal – the first London club to win the league in almost a decade and 22 years in the making.”
Once the crowds outside the Emirates had subsided, the players moved in with Eberechi Eze posting a picture of himself, Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka at the ground at approximately 5am this morning.
Champions League success now the aim for Arsenal
There is still plenty to play for for Arsenal this season as they go in search of a domestic and European double.
Sunday’s game at Selhurst Park will now be reduced to a glorified kick around with both Palace and Arsenal taking part in major finals the following week.
Palace take on Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final on May 27 before Arsenal meet title holders Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final three days later.
