Arsenal players and coaching staff gathered at the London Colney training complex on Tuesday night to watch Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, a result that officially handed the Gunners the league crown with one round of matches still left to play.
The title victory sparked celebrations among supporters at the Emirates Stadium, where fans lit flares and fireworks to mark Arsenal’s first Premier League triumph since 2004.
After finishing as runners-up in the last three seasons, Arsenal had faced heavy criticism throughout the campaign, especially after their 2-1 loss to Manchester City on April 19, with many doubting their ability to cope with pressure during the title race.
However, while City dropped points against Everton and Bournemouth, Arsenal responded strongly by winning their next four league matches without conceding a single goal.
Manager Mikel Arteta, who returned to the club in December 2019 during a difficult period for Arsenal, reportedly placed a covered Premier League trophy at the training ground that would only light up once the title was secured.
In a video shared by defender Jurrien Timber on Instagram, Saka could be heard saying, “Light that up. Twenty-two years, there was laughing and joking, but they are not laughing anymore. It is going to shine bright.”
Another celebratory video posted on Saka’s Instagram page showed academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly holding a champagne bottle while joking about the criticism the team had received.
“They called us bottlers, and now we’re the ones holding the bottle,” Lewis-Skelly said.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also joined in celebrating the achievement. Wenger, who guided Arsenal to three Premier League titles including the famous unbeaten “Invincibles” season in 2004, congratulated the team in a message shared by the club.
“You did it. Champions continue when others stop. This is your moment, so enjoy it fully,” Wenger said.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola also praised Arteta and Arsenal for their achievement.
“On behalf of everyone at Manchester City, congratulations to Mikel, the players, staff and fans for winning the Premier League,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “They fully deserve it after all the hard work they put in.”
Arsenal will officially lift the Premier League trophy after their final league match against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The North London side could still finish the season with a historic double as they prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest on May 30.
— Naija Street Matters
