By Obinna Uballa
Arsenal have been confirmed as Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City failed to beat Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
Pep Guardiola’s side needed all three points to keep the title race alive heading into the final weekend, but a dramatic 1-1 draw handed the trophy to Mikel Arteta’s men before they even kicked a ball.
Eli Junior Kroupi stunned City with a first-half opener, and although Erling Haaland rescued a late equaliser deep into stoppage time, it was not enough to prevent Arsenal from sealing the title.
The Gunners sit top of the table on 82 points with one match remaining, beyond the reach of City and finally back on the summit of English football after more than two decades of frustration and near misses.
Arsenal’s last league triumph came during Arsene Wenger’s famous unbeaten “Invincibles” campaign of 2003/04, and since then the club have endured years of disappointment despite several close calls.
From surrendering a strong lead in the 2007/08 season to finishing behind surprise winners Leicester City in 2015/16, the title repeatedly slipped through Arsenal’s fingers.
In recent years, Arteta rebuilt the club into genuine contenders, guiding the team to three consecutive second-place finishes before finally delivering the ultimate prize this season.
Built on defensive strength and consistency, Arsenal’s title charge has featured 19 clean sheets and another Golden Glove-winning campaign for goalkeeper David Raya.
Even after a damaging defeat to City at the Etihad threatened to swing momentum away from them, Arsenal responded emphatically, winning four consecutive league games without conceding.
Their composure under pressure ultimately proved decisive as City stumbled late in the race, first against Everton and again versus Bournemouth.
The title celebrations are now set to erupt fully when Arsenal face Crystal Palace on the final day, where Arteta and his players will finally lift the Premier League trophy.
Yet the dream season may still have another glorious chapter to come, with Arsenal preparing for a UEFA Champions League final showdown against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on May 30.
