Gonzalo
The pressure was off, the sun was out, and the trophy was finally lifted. Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 2-1 but few will remember the game, only the party.
Selhurst Park was wrapped in sunshine, songs and expectation as Mikel Arteta's side defeated Crystal Palace to bring the curtain down on a remarkable campaign that has finally brought the Premier League title back to North London. With Arsenal already crowned champions and Crystal Palace focused firmly on their upcoming Conference League final, the contest unfolded with an unusual calmness, carrying the feel of a summer exhibition rather than a fiercely contested league encounter.
The moment all Arsenal supporters had been waiting 22 years for finally arrived when Martin Odegaard lifted the Premier League trophy to crown them as 2025/26 champions. After Mikel Arteta led his players up to the podium to receive their winners' medals, Odegaard was presented the trophy by Emmanuel Nmecha, a player and ambassador for their North London United Down's Syndrome team.
Arteta's willingness to rotate provided a historic moment for the club. Midfielder Max Dowman became the youngest player ever to start a Premier League match at just 16 years and 144 days old, a reminder that Arsenal's success has been built not only on established stars, but also on trust in emerging talent.
Arsenal finished the season on 85 points, seven clear of second-placed Manchester City. After three consecutive second-place finishes, Arteta finally guided Arsenal back to the summit, and this title feels built on foundations capable of enduring, combining defensive resilience with growing maturity across the campaign.
There is also a note of caution heading into next week. Noni Madueke departed the Palace game with what appeared to be a hamstring issue, though initial signs suggested the problem may not be serious.
The celebrations, however, are far from over. Arsenal's title parade is set for Sunday, May 31, the day after the Champions League final in Budapest against holders Paris Saint-Germain. Should the Gunners beat PSG, the parade will be a celebration of arguably the greatest season in the club's history.
Twenty-two years of waiting. One unforgettable season. The Gunners are champions.