Arsenal win Premier League title as Man City held at Bournemouth
· Yahoo Sports
Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.
The Gunners' long wait to add to their 13 top-flight titles was ended when Pep Guardiola's side dropped points in their penultimate match, the game in hand they had over their rivals.
Visit michezonews.co.za for more information.
It left Arsenal with an unassailable lead at the top and kicked off the celebrations in north London.
Mikel Arteta's side will formally be presented with the trophy on Sunday after their final match of the season at Crystal Palace.
They could still make it an historic double for the club as they chase their first Champions League title in the final against Paris St Germain later this month.
The league title ended a six-year period without a trophy and is Arteta's second major honour in charge after the 2020 FA Cup victory.
Midfielder Declan Rice posted a picture on Instagram with his team-mates with the caption "I told you all.. it's done."
Former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who led the team to their last title, in 2004, featured in a celebratory post from the Gunners on their X account.
He said: "You did it. Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment."
Former England goalkeeper David Seaman, who made more than 400 appearances for Arsenal between 1990 and 2003, said on X: "Premier League champions!!! What a moment!!! What a season!!!!!!!! EPIC!!!!!!!!!! Longest (22 years and ) three minutes of MY LIFE…"
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who had Arteta as his assistant for two of City's Premier League titles, paid tribute to his Gunners counterpart.
"We were close. On behalf of everyone at Manchester City, we congratulate Mikel and all the staff, players and fans on winning the Premier League," he told Sky Sports. "They deserve it, for so much hard work and effort."
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith, a two-time title-winner, said he was thrilled to see his former club finally get over the line after several near misses in recent seasons.
Smith said on Sky Sports: "Brilliant, brilliant, fully deserved.
"Obviously, they've had their moments in the last few seasons where they've come second, but you deserve to win it if you finish top.
"They've had the best defence. They haven't had the best attack – you'd probably say City have got the best attack – but, as an overall unit, Mikel Arteta's done brilliantly well. I'm really pleased for my old club."
Martin Keown, a member of Wenger's three title-winning sides, posted on X: "Congratulations to this group for becoming champions! A beautiful moment. Come on the @Arsenal! Enjoy, rest and let's go and win our first champions league!"
Arsenal-supporting Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X: "22 long years for the Arsenal. But finally, we're back where we belong. Champions!"
Manchester City's Erling Haaland reacts after a missed chance during the English Premier League soccer match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium. John Walton/PA Wire/dpaManchester City's Phil Foden (L) and Bournemouth's Rayan battle for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium. John Walton/PA Wire/dpaArsenal fans celebrate near the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. Jeff Moore/PA Wire/dpaArsenal fans celebrate near the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. Jeff Moore/PA Wire/dpa