Arsenal have won the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City were held to a draw by Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
The Gunners were confirmed champions without kicking a ball as City failed to secure the victory required to keep the race alive until the final day of the season.
A first-half strike from Eli Junior Kroupi put Bournemouth ahead before Erling Haaland grabbed a dramatic late equaliser in the 95th minute, but the result was still enough to crown Arsenal champions.
Mikel Arteta’s side now sit uncatchable at the top of the table with 82 points and one match left to play, ending a painful two-decade wait for English football’s biggest prize.
It is Arsenal’s first league triumph since the historic 2003/04 “Invincibles” campaign under Arsene Wenger and represents the culmination of Arteta’s long rebuilding project at the Emirates.
After several seasons of falling short, including three consecutive runner-up finishes, Arsenal finally held their nerve in a tense title battle against serial champions Manchester City.
The foundation of their success has been a rock-solid defence, with the Gunners recording 19 clean sheets this season while goalkeeper David Raya secured another Golden Glove-winning campaign.
Arsenal’s title hopes appeared under threat following defeat to City at the Etihad Stadium last month, but the north London club responded strongly, winning four straight matches without conceding to maintain control of the race.
Pressure eventually told on City, who dropped vital points in successive games to open the door for Arsenal to complete their long-awaited coronation.
The Gunners will officially lift the Premier League trophy after their final-day clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with supporters already celebrating the club’s return to the top of English football.
There is also the possibility of an even greater achievement ahead, as Arsenal prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final later this month, with a historic double now within reach.
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