By Francis Onyach - Reporter
United Kingdom, May 20, 2026 - Arsenal F.C. have officially been crowned 2025/2026 Premier League champions after Manchester City were held to a dramatic 1–1 draw away at AFC Bournemouth, ending the Gunners’ 22-year wait for a league title and finally breaking City’s recent dominance of English football.
The decisive moment came at the Vitality Stadium, where Pep Guardiola’s side entered the night knowing that only a victory would keep the title race alive heading into the final weekend of the season. Instead, Bournemouth once again proved why they have been one of the Premier League’s most impressive stories this campaign, frustrating City throughout a tense evening before ultimately securing the result that mathematically handed the trophy to Arsenal.
Manchester City began the match dominating possession as expected, but Bournemouth remained disciplined defensively and dangerous on transitions. The breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute when teenage sensation Eli Junior Kroupi produced a brilliant finish, curling the ball into the top corner to give the Cherries a shock lead and send Arsenal supporters across the world into celebration mode.
City pushed aggressively after halftime and created several opportunities to equalise. Nico O’Reilly came close early in the second half, only to be denied by Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic in one of the key moments of the night.
As the clock ticked down, tension grew both inside the stadium and among Arsenal fans gathering at the Emirates Stadium and pubs across North London. Erling Haaland eventually equalised deep into stoppage time to make it 1–1, but there was simply no time left for City to find the winning goal they desperately needed.
When the final whistle sounded, Arsenal were officially champions of England.
The title triumph marks Arsenal’s first Premier League crown since the legendary “Invincibles” season of 2003/04 under Arsène Wenger. For many supporters, it represents the end of years of frustration, rebuilding, near misses, and painful collapses in previous title races.
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have gradually transformed into one of Europe’s most balanced and disciplined teams. After finishing runners-up behind Manchester City in three consecutive seasons, the Gunners finally took the final step this year through consistency, defensive organisation, and resilience during the decisive months of the campaign.
Their success has been built around standout performances from players such as Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and David Raya, while Arteta’s tactical discipline and set-piece efficiency became defining characteristics of the title-winning run.
Reports from the Emirates Stadium described emotional scenes as Arsenal players, staff, and supporters celebrated the title confirmation together while watching Manchester City’s match against Bournemouth. Videos shared across football social platforms showed fans erupting in celebration the moment the final whistle was blown at the Vitality Stadium.
Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger also congratulated the club publicly, while current players posted emotional reactions online celebrating the end of the club’s long wait for Premier League glory.
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For Pep Guardiola, the draw represented a painful conclusion to Manchester City’s title challenge. Despite winning the FA Cup and League Cup this season, City’s pursuit of another Premier League crown ended with dropped points on the south coast.
The result also arrives amid growing reports that Guardiola could leave Manchester City at the end of the season, potentially bringing an end to one of the most dominant managerial eras English football has ever seen.
BBC coverage after the final whistle described Guardiola walking across the pitch “with head bowed” after seeing City’s title hopes disappear.
While Arsenal celebrated the title, Bournemouth also had reason to celebrate. The draw not only denied Manchester City the victory they needed but also confirmed European qualification for the Cherries for the first time in club history.
Under Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth have become one of the Premier League’s surprise success stories, combining aggressive pressing with fearless attacking football throughout the season.
For Arsenal supporters, this title means more than simply finishing first.
It represents redemption after years of disappointment.
It validates Arteta’s long-term rebuilding project.
And it signals the end of Manchester City’s grip on the Premier League crown.
After 22 years of waiting, Arsenal are champions of England once again.