Arsenal won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth. Supporters assembled in their thousands outside the Emirates Stadium as the title was confirmed, and the reaction from the club’s senior voices turned the moment into something bigger than the result alone. Mikel Arteta said, "We made history again, together," while Declan Rice posted, "I told you all.. it's done."

Arteta, Wenger and Rice set the tone

Arteta’s first words framed the title as a collective achievement rather than a late-season stroke of luck. "I cannot be happier, prouder for everybody that is involved in this football club," he said. Arsene Wenger backed that mood with a message that landed cleanly: "You did it. Champions go on, when others stop. This is your time."

Pep Guardiola’s response added the other side of the story, and he did not fight the point. He said Arsenal and Arteta deserved the Premier League, then pointed to City’s fatigue and Bournemouth’s 12 days of preparation. That is a straightforward concession, and it fits the evidence around Arsenal’s season.

The numbers back it up. Arsenal finished first with 82 points and a 25-7-5 record. Guardiola’s words were not just polite applause, they matched what the table showed.

Martinelli's role is now the next question

The title reaction was the main event, but the end of the season also sharpens the discussion around Gabriel Martinelli. Mikael Silvestre’s view is that reduced game-time could make a move logical, and the numbers explain why that talk has started.

Martinelli started only ten league games this season. He made 29 Premier League appearances and scored 1 goal, while Leandro Trossard made 31 appearances in the same competition. Silvestre said Martinelli "might be the one who wants to trigger a transfer because of the game-time," and added that leaving after winning the league would be good timing if the right move appears.

That does not mean a sale is inevitable, but it does mean the title celebrations are already sitting beside a squad question. If Arsenal are going to reshuffle, Martinelli is the name the brief points to first.

The title is secured, the reaction has been clear, and the next stage is already visible. Arsenal can enjoy the first Premier League crown in 22 years, but the debate around Martinelli is now part of the post-title picture.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →