Arsenal have been crowned Premier League champions for the 2025-26 season, ending a 22-year wait for the title. The Gunners secured the trophy on the final day with a 1-0 victory over West Ham United, sparking jubilant scenes at Selhurst Park. The campaign was filled with drama, controversy, and memorable moments, as our panel of experts pick their highlights.
Declan Rice's Rallying Cry
John Cross selects Declan Rice's defiant message after Arsenal's defeat at Manchester City as the moment of the season. Following a 2-1 loss on April 19, Rice declared "it's not done" when many believed the title race was over. City overtook Arsenal three days later, but the Gunners responded by winning all of their remaining five games, clinching the title by seven points. "That is some mentality," Cross says. "They've won as many points as Liverpool last season. Elite mentality. Real champions."
Mohamed Salah's Post-Match Outburst
Andy Dunn highlights Mohamed Salah's explosive interview after being an unused substitute in Liverpool's 3-3 draw at Leeds United in December. Salah claimed he had been "thrown under the bus" and that "someone wants me to get all the blame." Dunn notes: "Big-name players laying into their current manager does not happen very often. It was fascinating stuff." He also praises Max Dowman, who became the Premier League's youngest ever goalscorer at 16 for Arsenal against Everton.
VAR Controversy in Arsenal vs West Ham
Several writers cite the VAR drama in Arsenal's 1-0 win over West Ham on May 10 as the defining moment. David Raya made a crucial save, Leandro Trossard scored, and then VAR intervened to rule out Callum Wilson's late equaliser for a foul on the goalkeeper. The five-minute delay sparked intense debate. Ben Husband says: "It's perhaps a sad indictment that a five-minute delay is the most defining, but that feels like exactly what Premier League bosses want." Dan Marsh adds: "It provided a few minutes which were just absolutely box-office."
Liverpool vs Manchester City: Haaland and Szoboszlai Tussle
Alex Richards picks the bizarre incident in Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Manchester City, where Erling Haaland and Dominik Szoboszlai's tussle led to a goal being disallowed. Rayan Cherki scored from inside his own half after Szoboszlai fouled Haaland, but VAR spotted Haaland's subsequent foul on Szoboszlai, ruling out the goal and sending off the Liverpool midfielder. Gary Neville called it unjust, but Richards argues: "When VAR gets involved, it's not often you can say that an utterly bizarre episode was enhanced."
Season Verdict
Arsenal's title win was built on resilience, with key contributions from Declan Rice and young star Max Dowman. The season also highlighted the ongoing debate over VAR's role, with pivotal decisions affecting both the title race and relegation battle. As the Premier League looks ahead to the World Cup, these moments will linger in fans' memories.
