Arsenal have finally become Premier League champions after four seasons of competing for the title under manager Mikel Arteta. The Gunners secured the trophy for the first time in 22 years following a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on the final day of the season, May 24, 2026.
Arsenal were confirmed as champions before the final matchday after title rivals Manchester City failed to defeat Bournemouth on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Arteta, now in his seventh year at the club since taking over in 2019, has overseen a complete rebuild. After finishing second in three consecutive seasons, his team finally clinched the title.
Ex-Arsenal Stars Who Contributed to the Title
While some players were part of the squad during the three near-miss seasons, they have since left before the Gunners ultimately won the league. Nevertheless, they remain an important part of the club's history and played a key role in the journey to the title.
Granit Xhaka was one of the players Arteta inherited and transformed. He was integral to the team that lost the title to Manchester City in the 2022/23 season. Xhaka left afterwards and won the Bundesliga title unbeaten with Bayer Leverkusen. He is now back in the Premier League, captaining newly promoted Sunderland to a UEFA Europa League qualification in their first season back. Xhaka sent a message to Arteta after Arsenal were confirmed champions.
Thomas Partey formed a midfield partnership with Xhaka, and many fans blamed his injuries for derailing their title challenges on multiple occasions. He left the club at the start of this season to join Villarreal, helping the Spanish side finish third in La Liga.
Oleksandr Zinchenko was another key player who departed before the title win. As noted by Mirror UK, he was influential in changing the mentality in the dressing room during his time at the club.
Academy graduates Emile Smith-Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, and Reiss Nelson also played critical roles during the challenging years that eventually bore fruit. Other players like Jakub Kiwior, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Mohamed Elneny, Aaron Ramsdale, Fabio Viera, Pablo Mari, and Kieran Tierney all made crucial contributions under Arteta.
As highlighted by Sky Sports, Bukayo Saka is the only player Arteta met at the club who remains part of the team and contributed to winning the Premier League title.
10 Defining Moments in Arsenal's Victory
Legit.ng previously analysed the 10 defining moments that contributed to Arsenal's Premier League title victory after 22 years. The Gunners proved their title credentials with key moments where they dug deep and won in difficult conditions, ultimately helping them secure the championship.
