Arsenal’s long pursuit of a Premier League title finally reached its destination as players, staff and supporters erupted in celebration after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth, a result that mathematically sealed the championship for the north London club.

Gathered at the Emirates Stadium to watch events unfold on television, Arsenal’s squad saw Junior Kroupi curl Bournemouth into a first-half lead, piling pressure on a City side that had dominated the division for much of the past decade. Erling Haaland’s stoppage-time equaliser arrived too late to alter the title race, and the final whistle in Manchester triggered scenes of unrestrained joy in London.

For Arsenal, it is a 14th English league title and a first since the famed “Invincibles” season of 2003-04 under Arsene Wenger, when they went unbeaten across the campaign. In the years since, Chelsea, Manchester United, City, Leicester and Liverpool have all lifted the trophy while Arsenal repeatedly fell short, often watching City surge past them in the run-in.

This season, however, Mikel Arteta’s side refused to yield. Built on the Premier League’s meanest defence, they have conceded just 26 goals in 37 matches and kept 19 clean sheets. Their threat from dead balls has been just as decisive: a league-high 24 goals from set pieces, including 18 from corners, the most by any team in the Premier League era.

Arteta, appointed in 2019 and once a midfielder for both Arsenal and Everton, becomes the first former Premier League player to win the title as a manager. After three consecutive seasons finishing as runners-up – twice to City and once to Liverpool – his project has finally delivered the ultimate domestic prize.

The triumph comes with the promise of more. Arsenal have also reached the Champions League final, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain in pursuit of a first European crown and the chance to complete what would stand as the greatest season in the club’s history.

For a generation of supporters who had known only near-misses and rebuilding cycles, this title is both catharsis and confirmation: Arsenal are back among English football’s elite, not as hopeful challengers but as champions.