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 means Pep Guardiola’s side can no longer catch Arsenal, who beat Burnley 1-0 on Monday to open a five-point gap.
Kai Havertz’s first-half goal proved decisive against the already-relegated Burnley. The result put pressure on City, who needed to win their game in hand. Bournemouth took the lead through Eli Junior Kroupi before Erling Haaland’s stoppage-time equaliser salvaged a point, but it was not enough for the defending champions.
The match came 24 hours after news emerged that Guardiola will leave City at the end of the season, despite having a year left on his contract. City will finish the campaign with the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, but the league title slips away in the manager’s final season.
Arsenal’s players and staff gathered at the club’s training ground to watch City’s result, with celebrations lasting into the night. Several players were seen near the Emirates Stadium at 5am on Wednesday. The Gunners have now ended a six-year trophy drought and reached the Champions League final for only the second time, facing Paris Saint-Germain next Saturday.
Manager Mikel Arteta said: “We made history again together. I cannot be happier and prouder for everybody involved in this football club. Let’s enjoy the moment.” Arsenal will lift the trophy after Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace.
