Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years has been framed as more than a simple coronation. Thierry Henry thanked the current generation, Arsene Wenger sent his own message of approval, and the pundit discussion quickly settled on three names: David Raya, Gabriel Magalhães and Declan Rice.

The title was confirmed after Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, not from Arsenal’s own result. That matters for the record, but the football point is stronger: this was a side that finished first with 82 points from 37 matches, a 25-7-5 record and a +43 goal difference.

Why the three standouts keep coming up

Alan Shearer was the clearest of the pundits. “I think the three outstanding players for Arsenal have been this season, from back to front, David Raya, the goalkeeper, Gabriel, and Declan Rice. Probably Raya player of the season for me,” he said to football.london. Gary Lineker backed the same trio as worthy candidates, even if he widened the field slightly by adding Bruno Fernandes as an individual standout outside Arsenal.

The data lines up with the discussion. Rice posted a 7.46 Premier League rating, Gabriel a 7.37 and Raya a 6.95. Gabriel also made 31 league appearances, while Rice played 36 times in the league, which is the sort of workload that turns praise into something more than a highlight-reel argument.

Arsenal’s Burnley win fits the same pattern. Kai Havertz scored the 37th-minute winner and Bukayo Saka provided the assist, and after the Manchester City defeat on 19 April, Arsenal won their next four matches without conceding a goal.

The title also feels like a handover

Henry’s message carried the emotional weight of the day. He wrote, “From Highbury seats to the Emirates - Arsenal Nation, finally we can celebrate. Special thanks to this generation - finally now my kids saw us winning the league.” Wenger, in a club video, added: “You did it. Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment.”

That’s why this title feels different from a routine finish to a long chase. It is being talked about by the people who defined earlier Arsenal eras, and the praise has not just been for the badge or the manager. It has been aimed at the players who made the season hold together when the pressure was highest.

There is still a bigger month ahead, with Paris Saint Germain waiting in Budapest on 30 May, but the league part of the story is already settled. If Arsenal carry this level into that final, the debate around their best performers will only get louder, and Raya, Gabriel and Rice will stay at the front of it.

FAQ

Why are David Raya, Gabriel Magalhães and Declan Rice being singled out after Arsenal’s title win?

Alan Shearer named David Raya, Gabriel Magalhães and Declan Rice as Arsenal’s three outstanding players, with Raya his pick for player of the season. Gary Lineker said all three would be worthy. The stats back that up too, with Rice on a 7.46 Premier League rating, Gabriel on 7.37 and Raya on 6.95.

Did Arsenal clinch the title against Burnley?

No. Arsenal beat Burnley 1-0 through Kai Havertz’s 37th-minute goal, with Bukayo Saka credited with the assist, but the verified title trigger was Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. Arsenal also won their next four matches after the 19 April City defeat without conceding a goal.

What did Thierry Henry say after Arsenal’s title win?

Henry thanked the current generation on Instagram and said his children had now seen Arsenal win the league for the first time. Arsene Wenger also appeared in a club video saying: “You did it. Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment.”

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →