Arsenal celebrated their long-awaited Premier League title success in style on Sunday, defeating Crystal Palace 2-1 before lifting the trophy after the final whistle at Selhurst Park.
The victory marked Arsenal’s first match since officially securing the league crown on Tuesday, when Manchester City were held to a draw at Bournemouth, handing Mikel Arteta’s side their first English league title in 22 years.
Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke sealed Arsenal’s 26th league win of the season as the champions finished seven points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side.
Arsenal ended the campaign in dominant form, winning five consecutive league matches after a crucial defeat to Manchester City on April 19 had briefly threatened to derail their title challenge.
Following the final whistle, celebrations erupted as Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard lifted the Premier League trophy after players and coaching staff received their medals.
Red confetti and fireworks lit up the south London sky while Arsenal players sprayed champagne in front of jubilant travelling supporters. Manager Mikel Arteta was tossed into the air by his players as club owner Stan Kroenke and his son Josh carried the trophy onto the pitch for the presentation ceremony.
Thousands of Arsenal fans continued the celebrations by singing club anthem “North London Forever” and waving inflatable trophy replicas as players joined in the festivities.
Despite lifting the trophy away from the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal are expected to continue celebrations with a victory parade through north London on May 31.
Attention will now shift to Arsenal’s pursuit of a historic double, with the club preparing for the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30 in Budapest.
Arteta rotated his squad heavily ahead of the European final, leaving key players including Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, David Raya and Viktor Gyokeres on the bench.
The match also saw history made as Arsenal youngster Max Dowman became the youngest player ever to start a Premier League game at 16 years and 144 days old, surpassing the previous record set by Jose Baxter in 2008.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner also rested several first-team players ahead of the club’s UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday.
Palace players gave Arsenal a guard of honour before kick-off, acknowledging the visitors’ achievement.
Arsenal nearly opened the scoring early when Gabriel Jesus struck the post before forcing a save from Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 42nd minute after Gabriel Martinelli slipped a clever pass into Jesus, who drilled a low shot past Henderson at the near post.
Madueke doubled Arsenal’s advantage just three minutes into the second half after a well-worked corner routine. Kai Havertz headed the ball back into the area for Madueke to volley home from close range.
Jean-Philippe Mateta pulled one back for Palace late on with an 89th-minute header, but the goal did little to spoil Arsenal’s title celebrations as the newly crowned champions ended a memorable domestic campaign on a high.
