Arsenal have been crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. City's failure to win at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday means that Pep Guardiola's men can no longer catch Arsenal when the final round of fixtures takes place this weekend.
How Arsenal Clinched the Title
The Gunners, who have been top of the table for the vast majority of this season, beat Burnley 1-0 on Monday to build a five-point gap between themselves and City. Kai Havertz's first-half goal made the difference against a Burnley side who have already been relegated. That put the pressure back on City to take all three points from their game in hand at Bournemouth.
But 24 hours after the bombshell news that Guardiola will be leaving City at the end of the season broke, they dropped vital points. Eli Junior Kroupi scored in the 39th minute before a late equaliser from Erling Haaland which ultimately proved to be too little too late for the visitors.
Arsenal's Journey to the Title
Arsenal previously won the title in 2004 under legendary manager Arsene Wenger. But current boss Mikel Arteta has finally ended the club's long wait after three successive second-placed finishes. The Gunners began this season with intent, dropping points in just two of their first 10 fixtures. Their solid form continued over the winter before hopes of an historic quadruple quickly evaporated in the spring.
Either side of the international break, Arsenal went on a run of two wins from seven games in all competitions, including a damaging 2-1 defeat away to City which blew the title race wide open. But the Gunners responded with four wins in a row while capitalising on City's 3-3 draw at Everton.
Champions League Final and Trophy Drought
Arsenal also reached the Champions League final for only the second time in their history after beating Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate. Arteta's side will face holders Paris Saint-Germain next Saturday in Budapest. The Spaniard was appointed to replace Unai Emery in December 2019, taking on his first managerial role after working under Guardiola at City. Having lifted the FA Cup in Arteta's first season, the league title also ends Arsenal's six-year wait for a trophy.
Manchester City's Season
City, on the other hand, will finish what is expected to be Guardiola's 10th and final season at the helm with two trophies. His team won the FA Cup on Saturday, having previously beaten Arsenal in March's Carabao Cup final.
