Arsenal End 22-Year Wait as Arteta Seals Premier League Glory

Arsenal have won the Premier League, ending a 22-year wait for the title after Manchester City drew 1-1 at Bournemouth on Tuesday night. Mikel Arteta’s side, who had led the table for much of the season, held off City’s late challenge to finish top and claim their first league crown since the famous Invincibles of 2003/04.

The title had looked in danger in April after Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester City briefly swung momentum back toward Pep Guardiola’s side. But Arteta’s team responded well, steadying themselves through the pressure and recovering their control of the race. After three consecutive runners-up finishes, the Gunners finally crossed the line, ending a six-year trophy drought and giving Arteta his second major honour as manager at the Emirates.

The celebrations began immediately, with Declan Rice posting a picture on Instagram alongside his team-mates and the message: “I told you all.. it’s done.” Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who led the club to their last league title in 2004, also appeared in a congratulatory post shared by the club. His message was simple and fitting: “You did it. Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment.”

Former striker Alan Smith, who won the league twice with Arsenal, said the title was fully deserved and praised the team’s balance under Arteta. He pointed out that while Arsenal may not have had the most explosive attack, their defensive record and overall consistency made the difference over the course of the campaign. According to Smith, the Gunners handled the pressure better than in previous near misses and earned their reward.

There is still more for Arsenal to chase this season. They will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest on May 30, giving them a chance to secure European silverware as well. Smith suggested the league title could free them up for that match, since the burden of a long title drought has now been lifted. In his words, the final now feels like a “free hit.”

Arsenal will receive the Premier League trophy after their final league match away to Crystal Palace on Sunday. Until then, the celebrations can continue, with the club finally back on top of English football after two decades of waiting. The achievement also revives memories of Wenger’s unbeaten champions, whose legacy has now been joined by another landmark season in north London.