Mikel Arteta lavished praise on Arsenal for their “commitment and courage” as the Premier League champions marked their title with a joyous, trophy-laden celebration after a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace.
Arsenal’s triumph capped a campaign that had already secured their place on top after Manchester City, the runners-up, were held to a draw by Bournemouth on Tuesday.
It was the first time the Gunners had played as champions since 2004, and they sealed their domestic run with a 26th league win. At Selhurst Park, Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke provided the goals in a match that sent Arsenal over the line in style.
After the final whistle, captain Martin Ødegaard was handed the trophy on the pitch in a moment of celebration that unfolded in front of thousands of supporters who had gathered in full voice.
Quick facts
- Arsenal won 2-1 at Crystal Palace to celebrate the Premier League title.
- Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke scored at Selhurst Park.
- Arsenal clinched the league after Manchester City drew with Bournemouth on Tuesday.
- Arteta’s side recorded their 26th league win.
- Ødegaard received the trophy on the pitch following the final whistle.
- Arsenal can complete their club’s greatest season by winning the Champions League next weekend.
- They face Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Budapest on May 30.
Arteta described the moment as “beautiful,” pointing to the reaction from fans who had waited so long for this day. He added that while the road included painful periods, the joy made it all worthwhile, before joking that it was time to enjoy the occasion and “take the manager hat off.”
Reflecting on the difficult stretches that tested Arsenal’s resolve, including a league loss to title rivals City and a League Cup final defeat against Pep Guardiola’s team, Arteta said the group had shown an “incredible connection” and the bravery to keep pushing when it mattered.
He also admitted that doubts lingered for him at times, particularly after three straight seasons ending with Arsenal finishing second. Those include moments in the 2023 and 2024 title races when large leads were surrendered.
“There were doubts,” Arteta said, describing how he understood he had helped the team reach the stage where the title could be claimed, even if he feared someone else might need to deliver the final breakthrough. “But thank god we have done it,” he added, saying he feels “a lot of joy.”
Arteta further acknowledged that self-doubt is part of the job, noting that many factors lie beyond his control. He said the solution is surrounding himself with the right people to ensure Arsenal can keep moving forward.
Ownership and next target
Arteta also singled out Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke and the club’s leadership team for their backing during a six-year spell without major trophies. He said the tough times are when people’s character shows most clearly, and praised their values and understanding of sport.
Kroenke and his son Josh carried the Premier League trophy onto the pitch ahead of the formal presentation, setting the tone for a celebration that brought the season’s work into focus.
With the domestic title secured, Arsenal now have the chance to complete what Arteta called the biggest season in the club’s history by winning the Champions League for the first time next weekend.
The final is set for May 30 in Budapest, with Arsenal taking on Paris Saint-Germain.
Arteta returned to the theme of commitment from those at the top, saying the ownership has “incredible values,” has committed to the project the club has built, and has played a key role throughout the journey.
