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Arsenal secured their first Premier League championship in 22 years after Manchester City's draw with Bournemouth on Tuesday night, sparking wild celebrations among players and fans in north London.
Early-morning celebrations at Emirates Stadium
Players were photographed outside the Emirates Stadium at 05:00 BST on Wednesday, hours after the title was confirmed. Midfielder Eberechi Eze shared images on Instagram showing himself alongside teammates Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Jurrien Timber outside the stadium.
Dutch defender Timber posted a video featuring Saka next to a darkened Premier League trophy at the club's training ground, which was designed to illuminate upon victory. Saka urged, "Light that up," before declaring, "Twenty-two years, 22 years. There was laughing, there was joking-they're not laughing anymore. Look, it is going to be shining, it is going to be shining bright."
Players reflect on past criticism
In another video, 19-year-old defender Myles Lewis-Skelly held a champagne bottle, referencing past accusations that Arsenal "bottled" the title race. "They called us bottlers," he said. "And now we're holding the bottle."
Eze's post also included an Arsenal-branded bottle, a nod to the team's three consecutive second-place finishes. An Instagram story showed captain Martin Ødegaard with a bottle in his mouth, further embracing the theme.
Fans erupt as City's draw seals Arsenal's triumph
On Tuesday night, Arsenal fans gathered outside the Emirates and nearby pubs as Manchester City faced Bournemouth, needing a win to keep the title race alive. City's 1-1 draw handed Arsenal the championship, triggering jubilant scenes across north London.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who won the title in 1998, was mobbed by fans outside the stadium. At the training ground, players and staff celebrated with chants of "Campeones, Campeones, Ole Ole Ole!" as the final whistle in Bournemouth echoed through the facility.
Arteta's journey and tributes from rivals
Manager Mikel Arteta, in his seventh year at the club, reflected on the achievement. Last month, Rice had insisted "it's not done" after a loss to City, but on Tuesday, he posted a celebratory photo with the caption, "It's done."
"The best gift you can give a good manager is time. You give a good manager time? There's the proof."
Paul Robinson, former Premier League goalkeeper
Messages of congratulations poured in from figures including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, a longtime Arsenal fan, who wrote on X: "22 long years for the Arsenal. But finally, we're back where we belong. Champions!" London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton also celebrated the victory.
Even Pep Guardiola, whose Manchester City side fell short, offered praise: "On behalf of everyone at Manchester City, we congratulate Mikel and all the staff, players, and fans on winning the Premier League. They deserve it."
Fans mark the historic moment
Supporters shared personal stories of the 22-year wait. One fan, Matt, wrote on BBC Sport's live text: "I've got married, had a child-who's now a teenager-and got divorced, all since Arsenal last won the league." Another, Barry, revealed he had saved a 2021 commemorative lager from the 1971 double, vowing not to drink it until Arsenal won again-despite the can now being five years past its expiration date.
With the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain looming on 30 May, fans are already dreaming of a historic double. "I am confident we are going to do it," said supporter Chloe on BBC Radio 5 Live. "PSG are worthy opponents, but this is our time."
