Arsenal end long wait after season of change in Premier League

The final blast of Anthony Taylor’s whistle and resigned look on the face of Pep Guardiola as Manchester City drew at Bournemouth was the cue for massive Arsenal title celebrations.

Tony Blair was in Downing Street and Guardiola was winding down his playing career in Qatar the last time Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions – the 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ when Arsene Wenger’s side went through the campaign unbeaten.

There was no perfect record this time – Arsenal would lose five games on the way to a 14th domestic title – but that did not diminish the achievement of Mikel Arteta and his players after three successive runner-up finishes.

The Arsenal. Your Premier League champions. pic.twitter.com/gNnfzesrhP

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 19, 2026

Or the celebrations that followed as thousands danced and sang outside the Emirates Stadium, where Ian Wright sprayed champagne, and at impromptu street parties that lasted until 5am on a mild Wednesday morning.

David Raya won the Golden Glove for the third season in a row with 19 clean sheets as Gabriel and William Saliba formed a formidable barrier in front of him.

Declan Rice was immense in midfield and Viktor Gyokeres shrugged off concerns over his finishing to score 14 goals after his £64million arrival from Sporting Lisbon.

Despite criticism that Arsenal were not expansive enough and relied more on functionality than artistry, Arteta’s side also made their way to a Champions League final against holders Paris St Germain.

Rivals Tottenham, Europa League winners 12 months previously, were involved in a relegation battle that went to the final day.

Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor both arrived and departed before Roberto De Zerbi secured Spurs’ safety.

Burnley, West Ham and Wolves