After a 22-year wait, Arsenal were officially crowned Premier League champions at Selhurst Park, lifting the trophy in front of jubilant supporters following a season that finally delivered long-awaited glory.
The decisive moment arrived days earlier. Bournemouth’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City ensured Arsenal were crowned champions midweek, meaning the title race had already been settled before a ball was kicked at Selhurst Park.
For Crystal Palace, there was perhaps a sense of relief. With a European final looming just days later in Leipzig, the pressure to field a full-strength side against the champions had eased.
Arsenal also had one eye on the future, with a Champions League final in Budapest only six days away.
The match reflected the circumstances. Played at a relaxed tempo, it carried more of a pre-season atmosphere than a decisive Premier League showdown, with both teams seemingly cautious to avoid injuries.
Arsenal eventually edged a 2-1 victory with goals from Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke. There was nearly a late Palace fightback led by Jean-Philippe Mateta and a disallowed goal that denied the Eagles a point.
Yet the football almost felt secondary. This was the hottest ticket in town. Crystal Palace supporters were warned not to resell season tickets, while Arsenal fans flooded social media and fan groups searching desperately for entry.
One resale ticket in the away end reportedly reached an eye-watering £75,000.
Outside Selhurst Park, thousands gathered without tickets, simply wanting to be near the moment the Gunners finally lifted the trophy.
Celebrations stretched far beyond South London. Across the capital, pubs and bars were packed, while the Emirates Stadium became a sea of red as supporters celebrated a first league title in more than two decades.
The day also delivered drama elsewhere in the Premier League. Sunderland, Brighton and Bournemouth secured European football, a remarkable achievement for each club.
At the other end of the table, heartbreak belonged to West Ham. Despite a 3-0 victory over Leeds United, relegation was confirmed after Tottenham Hotspur beat Everton 1-0 to survive.
At full-time in south London, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was seen checking the result and appeared visibly disappointed after learning of West Ham’s fate, a reminder of the bond he still shares with his former club.
Arsenal’s triumph has been years in the making. The club stayed patient with Mikel Arteta, strengthened wisely and built a squad with depth and resilience. That faith has now been rewarded. Premier League champions in 2025/26 but could European glory soon follow?
