Arsenal won their first Premier League championship since 2004 after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth on May 19, 2026, confirming Arsenal as champions [1, 2]. Players and staff gathered at their London Colney training base to watch the decisive match live, while thousands of supporters celebrated outside the Emirates Stadium with fireworks and flares [1, 2].
Manager Mikel Arteta, in charge since December 2019, had installed a blacked-out Premier League trophy at the training ground that lights up only when Arsenal claim the title [1, 2]. Arsenal secured the crown following a strong finish to the season, winning their final four league games without conceding goals after a late-season defeat to Manchester City on April 19, 2026, that sparked criticism calling the team "bottlers" in their title quest [1, 2].
Young star Bukayo Saka responded directly to critics, saying, "Let me tell you something. Twenty-two years, 22 years. There was laughing, there was joking, they’re not laughing any more. Look, it is going to be shining, it is going to be shining bright" [1]. Fellow young player Myles Lewis-Skelly posted celebratory social media stories mocking doubters, commenting, "They called us bottlers. And now we’re holding the bottle" [1].
Former Arsenal player Ian Wright joined fans celebrating outside the Emirates Stadium, while former manager Arsene Wenger congratulated the team, telling them, "You did it. Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment" [1, 2]. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who previously worked with Arteta, also paid tribute to his former assistant [2].
Arsenal supporters continue to celebrate across London following the historic title win, ending a 22-year wait since the club's last league triumph in 2004 [1, 2].
