Arsenal secured the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years by defeating Crystal Palace 2-1 in their final match at Selhurst Park [1, 2]. The club finished seven points clear of Manchester City, who faltered in the closing stages despite leading the table earlier [1, 2].
The championship came after a turbulent period for the team. In December 2020, Arsenal was 15th in the league with just four wins, prompting a candid social media post from Bukayo Saka describing the situation as "a dark place" and "very low" for the club, far below the standards he believed Arsenal should reach [1, 2].
Reflecting on the journey in a May 24 interview with Ian Wright, Saka said, "I was in a dark place. Obviously, I know what you guys have done for the club and where this club has been in the past. At that very moment, we were very low and very far from the level I believe Arsenal should be. ... But it's done now. No more jokes, it's our time" [1]. He added that the victory had silenced critics who had mocked the club on social media and elsewhere [1, 2].
After suffering a defeat to Manchester City late in the season, midfielder Declan Rice told his Arsenal teammates, "It's not done. I believed it, 100%, because I took a lot from that game. But it was also to comfort my teammates and calm everyone down because there were still five games to go. ... We were trying to not let any outside noise come in but once that City game was over, we just said 'There are five games, we can't throw it away'. It was a strong message and it's paid off" [1]. Arsenal responded by winning their last five matches as City dropped points, ensuring the title [1, 2].
In a memorable moment after securing the championship, Saka told teammate Jurrien Timber, "I just said to JT, we are standing in our dreams" [1].
The next official event for Arsenal will be the start of their campaign in next season's Premier League and associated European competitions, where they will look to defend their title.