Emotional Mikel Arteta thrilled by way Arsenal became Premier League champions

An emotional Mikel Arteta wiped away tears after Arsenal celebrated being crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years with a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace.

The Gunners avoided the crippling anxiety of a final-day shootout after Manchester City’s draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday, and Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke fired Arsenal on their way to completing their triumphant campaign with another victory to finish seven points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side.

Arteta led his title-winning team on to the Selhurst Park pitch before captain Martin Odegaard lifted the trophy, draped in red and white ribbons.

The Spanish manager was thrown in the air multiple times by his jubilant players. An emotional Arteta then kissed his wife, Lorena Bernal, and was visibly moved by the enormity of his achievement.

The celebrations in front of all four stands of Selhurst Park – with Arsenal supporters hijacking Palace supporters’ seats – lasted for close to two hours. Arteta hoisted the trophy with Bukayo Saka one last time before heading for his post-match news conference.

Wearing an Arsenal shirt, with ’26 Champions’ on the back, and a golden medal around his neck, Arteta said: “It is very difficult to put it into words. What a moment. A lot of emotions, a lot of joy, pride. The manner that we’ve done it, represents what the guys are feeling and the reason why this magic happened.

“I’m happy and relieved. Obviously, throughout this journey, we have made some massive steps. We have accomplished a lot of things that have a lot of value.

“But at the end of the day, we are here to win major trophies. That was the ultimate goal. We came very close. We fell short on three occasions, and that was very painful. But I think that’s what has