Arteta's time to make history

After securing the Premier League title with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace earlier this week, Arsenal were finally able to celebrate with the trophy in their hands, bringing an end to a 22-year wait to be crowned champions of England once again.

It was far from a straightforward march to glory. Mikel Arteta’s side spent most of the campaign locked in an intense battle with Manchester City, and there were several moments during the run-in when it seemed the title race could slip beyond their control.

Although the outcome of the final league match ultimately had no impact on Arsenal’s position, there was something poetic about such a dramatic season concluding with celebrations on the last day.

Following the match at Selhurst Park, manager Mikel Arteta admitted that he had imagined the defining moment happening elsewhere. In his mind, the long-awaited trophy lift was always supposed to take place at the Emirates Stadium.

“I thought we were going to win it at Emirates Stadium at some point, and it happened in a completely different manner to what anyone expected. But it was magical being around the players, your family and having some time to reflect,” Arteta stated.

Had Arsenal wrapped up the title a week earlier against Burnley, Arteta would have seen that dream fulfilled in North London. Instead, the celebrations arrived in a different setting — though no less emotional for the Spaniard.

“It’s an amazing feeling… I’ve been trying to go through this moment a few times, but I could never expect it to be that big, to be that beautiful, and to see so much joy and pride amongst all the people and our supporters.”

The Arsenal boss, who has now spent seven years in charge of the club, also sent a strong message ahead of this weekend’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, confidently insisting that his side would prevail in Budapest. His current contract in North London runs until 2027, although speculation surrounding a possible extension continues to grow.

“Sometimes you need to reflect on winning the , because everything has happened so fast and in such a special way as well. But I really want to enjoy this moment, at least today. Tomorrow we’ll start to prepare for the final in Budapest, and I can’t wait to write a new chapter in the history of our football club,” said Arteta.