Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken for the final time this season after lifting the Premier League trophy. The Gunners wrapped up the 2025/26 Premier League season as champions with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. This triumph ends Arsenal's 22-year wait for the league title, having finished as runners-up in the previous three consecutive campaigns.
Match Summary
Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, and Noni Madueke doubled the lead in the 48th minute before Jean-Philippe Mateta pulled one back for the hosts. Despite Palace's late pressure, Arsenal held on to secure the win and lift the trophy for the first time since 2004.
Arteta's Emotional Reaction
Arteta expressed his overwhelming emotions after the final whistle. "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," he said, as quoted by Arsenal TV.
The Spanish manager also looked ahead to the upcoming UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on May 30, 2026. "We'll have the parade after the final of the Champions League as well, so what a moment. We're going to use all this energy, positivity and confidence that we have into that pitch in Budapest, and win it," he added.
Captain Odegaard's Joy
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard became the third skipper to lift the Premier League trophy for the club, following Tony Adams and Patrick Vieira. The Norwegian midfielder described the feeling as "crazy." "It feels unreal - hard to put it into words, but just so proud, happy and emotional. It's a crazy, crazy feeling," he said, as quoted by Arsenal.com. "Walking up towards the trophy and just realising everything is a mad feeling. I'm just so proud of everyone for the way we did it and everything we've been through, and to finally get over the line just means the world to everyone."
Looking Ahead
The season is not over for Arsenal, as they will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. A victory would give the club its first-ever Champions League trophy and a historic double. Arteta is confident his team can carry their momentum into the final. "We lived that again today. We're going to use all this energy, positivity and confidence that we have into that pitch in Budapest, and win it," he stated.
In other Premier League news, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes won the Playmaker Award with a record-breaking 21 assists and was also named Player of the Season.
