Arsenal secured their first Premier League title in 21 years with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday. Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke ensured Mikel Arteta’s side finished the season in style, with the trophy presented to captain Martin Ødegaard after the match.
Max Dowman became the youngest player to start a Premier League game at 16 years and 144 days old, playing his part in the opening goal. Jesus opened the scoring after a clever flick from Dowman allowed Gabriel Martinelli to set him up. Madueke doubled the lead from a corner, heading in Kai Havertz’s cushioned header to set a new league record for goals from set pieces.
Crystal Palace, who have the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, pulled one back through Jean-Philippe Mateta. Yéremy Pino thought he had equalised but the goal was ruled out for offside. Palace manager Oliver Glasner, visibly emotional after the match, told supporters he had already rejected many offers for his next job and remains focused on Crystal Palace.
Mikel Arteta, celebrating with his wife Lorena Bernal on the pitch, said the team cannot wait to write a new chapter by winning the Champions League. Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the final on Saturday. Arteta rested several players, giving Christian Nørgaard his first league start and deploying Martín Zubimendi at right-back, possibly with an eye on Budapest.
The victory was watched by owner Stan Kroenke, a rare visitor to see his team. Palace identified over 35,000 bots attempting to buy tickets in home sections but the match passed off peacefully. Arsenal’s players received a guard of honour from Palace and performed a pre-match huddle in front of their own fans.
