Arsene Wenger has urged Arsenal’s squad to savour every second after they secured the Premier League title for the first time since 2004.
The Gunners were officially declared champions following Manchester City’s 1-1 stalemate with Bournemouth. City required victory at the Vitality Stadium to extend the title race to the final day. They couldn’t find a decisive goal after Erling Haaland’s stoppage time leveller.
Mikel Arteta’s team have commanded the division throughout most of the campaign. They will hoist the trophy after Sunday’s fixture against Crystal Palace.
And Wenger, the man who last led Arsenal to league glory with the Invincibles in 2004, delivered a perfect 20 word message.
“You did it. Champions go on, when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment.”
Short. Poignant. Perfect.
‘Fully deserved’
Former Arsenal forward Alan Smith reacted on Sky Sports.
“Brilliant! Fully deserved. They have had the best defence, they haven’t had the best attack, but as an overall unit Mikel Arteta has done incredibly well.
“I was very worried about the last day game at Palace… so pleased!”
He continued: “You have to have nervy moments when you haven’t won it for that long and Arsenal did have them. But hopefully now they can play with freedom. It almost feels that the Champions League final is a free hit now.”
‘I told you all.. it’s done’
Declan Rice took to Instagram, posting a picture alongside his team mates.
“I told you all.. it’s done.”
No drama. Just certainty. The kind of quiet confidence that has defined Arsenal’s season.
What comes next
Arteta’s side will officially receive the trophy on Sunday following their final league fixture away at Crystal Palace.
But the season isn’t over. The Gunners could yet complete a historic double as they pursue their first Champions League title in the final against Paris Saint Germain later this month.
The league triumph brings an end to a six year trophy drought. It represents Arteta’s second major honour at the helm, following the 2020 FA Cup victory.
The bottom line
Twenty two years since the Invincibles. Twenty two years of waiting.
Wenger’s message was simple. Enjoy it. You’ve earned it.
But the great man also issued a challenge. Champions go on when others stop.
Arsenal are champions again. Now they have to prove they can stay there.
