Players of Arsenal F.C. celebrated into the early hours of Wednesday morning after securing the club’s first Premier League title in 22 years.
Midfielder Declan Rice, winger Bukayo Saka and defender Jurrien Timber were seen celebrating with supporters at around 5:00 am at the Emirates Stadium in images shared on Instagram by teammate Eberechi Eze.
Thousands of fans had gathered outside the stadium while title rivals Manchester City F.C. faced AFC Bournemouth in a crucial match needed to keep the title race alive.
Excitement among Arsenal supporters intensified after Bournemouth took the lead, and although Manchester City equalised deep into injury time, the draw confirmed Arsenal as league champions.
Fans celebrated across North London with fireworks, flares, flags and chants as the long wait for a league title finally came to an end.
The Arsenal squad reportedly held celebrations at the club’s London Colney training ground alongside manager Mikel Arteta before continuing festivities at the Emirates Stadium.
Several players described the triumph as particularly meaningful after the club finished as runners-up in each of the previous three seasons.
Speaking during the celebrations, Saka said critics who once mocked Arsenal were now silenced.
“Twenty-two years, 22 years. There was laughing, there was joking, they’re not laughing anymore,” the England international said.
In another video shared online, teenage defender Myles Lewis-Skelly was seen holding a champagne bottle while referencing past criticism of the team.
“They called us bottlers, and now we’re holding the bottle,” the academy graduate said.
Supporters flooded the streets surrounding the Emirates Stadium, with many waving club flags and celebrating from moving vehicles.
One fan, George Owusu-Afriyie, described the victory as surreal, saying it felt like “the best summer ever,” while another supporter, Julia Szumilas, recalled crowds rushing from pubs towards the stadium as news of Manchester City’s result spread.
Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, who led the club to its previous league title in 2004, congratulated the players in a video message shared on the club’s social media platforms.
“You did it! Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment,” Wenger said.
Club legend Ian Wright was also seen celebrating with fans outside the stadium following the title victory.
Arsenal are expected to receive the Premier League trophy officially on Sunday after their final league match of the season against Crystal Palace F.C..
Attention will then shift to Europe, where Arteta’s side are preparing to face Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in the UEFA Champions League final in Budapest on May 30 as they chase a historic first European crown.
