An emotional Mikel Arteta wiped away tears as Arsenal celebrated being crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years following a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace. The Gunners avoided the anxiety of a final-day showdown after Manchester City's draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday, with Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke securing the win that sealed a triumphant campaign, finishing seven points clear of Pep Guardiola's side.
Arteta's Emotional Celebration
Arteta led his title-winning team onto the Selhurst Park pitch before captain Martin Odegaard lifted the trophy, draped in red and white ribbons. The Spanish manager was thrown into the air multiple times by his jubilant players. An emotional Arteta then kissed his wife, Lorena Bernal, and was visibly moved by the magnitude of his achievement.
The celebrations in front of all four stands of Selhurst Park, with Arsenal supporters occupying Palace fans' seats, lasted nearly two hours. Arteta hoisted the trophy with Bukayo Saka one last time before heading to his post-match news conference.
Arteta Reflects on the Journey
Wearing an Arsenal shirt with '26 Champions' on the back and a gold medal around his neck, Arteta said: "It is very difficult to put into words. What a moment. A lot of emotions, a lot of joy, pride. The manner in which we've done it represents what the guys are feeling and why this magic happened. I'm happy and relieved. Throughout this journey, we have made massive steps and accomplished many valuable things. But ultimately, we are here to win major trophies. That was the goal. We came close and fell short three times, which was painful. But that drove us to find new ways to show what we are made of, and that makes this even better."
He added: "I told the boys that this shirt now represents something else. We are champions, and that brings confidence and a different energy. But also a new responsibility. My job and everyone at the club is to raise those standards and achieve more, because I believe we can."
Champions League Final on the Horizon
Arsenal could be set for a historic week, with the club now aiming to win the Champions League for the first time in their 144-year history when they face Paris St Germain in Budapest on Saturday. "We need that energy to flow, and going against it would be a big mistake," Arteta said. "We've already talked about what we have to do in Budapest, how to use the incredible energy we carry towards that final. Tomorrow we start preparing. We can't wait to write a new chapter in our club's history and lift the Champions League."
Oliver Glasner's Farewell
Oliver Glasner oversaw his final match at Selhurst Park, having delivered Palace's first major trophy with last season's FA Cup final win over Manchester City. The Austrian could end his tenure with European silverware as Palace face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final in Germany on Wednesday. Addressing the crowd, Glasner said: "The best days are still to come. It's three days until Leipzig. You can win or lose, but belief is the most important thing in sport and life. You gave us belief. I arrived as a stranger, but now I feel like a south Londoner."
