The wait is over. After 22 years of near-misses and heartbreak, Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy on Sunday, capping a remarkable transformation under manager Mikel Arteta that began nearly seven years ago.
Arteta's side secured the championship with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, a result that erased the memory of three consecutive second-place finishes. The win was sealed in the 82nd minute when Declan Rice struck from outside the box, sending the away end into raptures.
"That was beautiful," Arteta told reporters, holding aloft the Premier League trophy for the first time in his career. "To see the joy of the fans—people who have waited so long for this—it makes every struggle worth it. Now, it's time to celebrate and to take the manager's hat off for a while."
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Arteta’s post-title speech hinted at a shift in mentality: "This shirt now represents something else. We are the champions, and that brings a new level of responsibility."
The victory marks a psychological breakthrough for Arteta, who vanquished his mentor and former colleague Pep Guardiola in the title race. Guardiola, departing Manchester City after a decade in charge, had been a thorn in the Gunners' side during their recent near-misses. Now, with Arteta outmaneuvering him, the door is open for sustained success.
| Title Rival | 2023-24 Finish | 2024-25 Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | 2nd (25 points behind) | Title winners |
| Manchester City | 2nd | Ex-Man City boss Guardiola departed |
| Manchester United | 8th | Rejuvenated but not title contenders |
| Chelsea | 12th | Mid-table disappointment |
With the league title secured, Arteta is already eyeing the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, a match that could further cement his legacy. The Gunners enter the continental showdown as underdogs but with the momentum of a team that has just ended a generational drought.
Key Points
- ✅ Arsenal end 22-year Premier League title drought under Mikel Arteta
- ⚡ Declan Rice’s 82nd-minute winner seals the championship over Crystal Palace
- 💡 Arteta targets Champions League glory as next milestone
The Gunners’ summer transfer plans are already in motion. Arsenal spent around £250 million last summer to bolster their squad, signing striker Viktor Gyokeres and midfielder Martin Zubimendi in moves designed to deliver immediate success. The club is expected to invest again this summer, with co-chair Josh Kroenke confirming full backing for Arteta. "If anyone deserves this, it’s this group," Kroenke said. "We are invested emotionally, financially—everything."
Arteta, whose contract negotiations will intensify after the Champions League final, is under pressure to deliver on the pitch as well. The Gunners’ football leadership—Kroenke, CEO Richard Garlick, director of football operations James King, and sporting director Andrea Berta—has identified midfielders, wingers, and strikers as priorities for the upcoming transfer window.
- Midfielder — Targeted to bolster creativity and control in midfield
- Left-winger — Needed to add width and unpredictability to the attack
- Striker — A clinical finisher to complement Gyokeres
Arteta’s next challenge is clear: transform Arsenal from a team that has broken through into one that dominates. The Champions League final looms as the perfect stage to announce their arrival on the global stage.
