Arsenal FC have been crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City failed to win at AFC Bournemouth, ending a long wait for the north London club.
Arsenal’s title triumph was confirmed without them playing, as City needed a victory on Tuesday to keep the race alive but could only manage a draw. A late goal from Erling Haaland was not enough to overturn an earlier strike by Bournemouth, leaving Arsenal out of reach at the top of the table.
With 82 points and one match remaining, Arsenal can no longer be caught, sealing their first league title since the 2003 to 2004 season under Arsene Wenger.
The title marks the end of the club’s longest drought since the Second World War and follows several near misses over the past two decades. Arsenal came close in the 2007 to 2008 season and again in 2015 to 2016, while recent campaigns under manager Mikel Arteta saw three consecutive second place finishes.
This season, however, Arsenal held firm. Their campaign has been built on defensive strength, with 19 clean sheets and another Golden Glove award for goalkeeper David Raya.
The title race remained tight until the closing weeks. A defeat to Manchester City last month cut into what could have been a commanding lead, but Arsenal responded with four straight wins without conceding a goal, applying pressure that City ultimately could not withstand.
City’s earlier stumble at Everton opened the door, and the dropped points against Bournemouth confirmed Arsenal’s place at the summit.
Players and fans will celebrate the title in full when Arsenal face Crystal Palace on the final day of the season, where the trophy will be presented.
There is still the possibility of an even more historic campaign. Arsenal are also set to face Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League Final later this month, with the chance to secure a league and European double for the first time in the club’s history.
For Arsenal, the long wait is over, and a new chapter has begun.
Standard.uk
