LONDON — Arsenal players were seen outside Emirates Stadium at 5 a.m. Wednesday, continuing celebrations after clinching their first Premier League title in 22 years.
Eberechi Eze shared photos on Instagram alongside teammates Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, marking the historic moment in north London.
The Gunners secured the championship Tuesday night after Manchester City drew with Bournemouth, ending their pursuit and confirming Arsenal as champions. Fans erupted in pubs across north London, while the squad gathered at their training ground to watch the decisive match. At the final whistle, players and staff danced, hugged, and chanted “Campeones, Campeones, Ole Ole Ole!”
Rice, who last month cautioned “it’s not done” after a loss to City, posted a celebratory message declaring: “It’s done.”
The triumph comes in manager Mikel Arteta’s seventh season in charge. Former goalkeeper Paul Robinson praised the club’s patience, saying, “The best gift you can give a good manager is time. You give a good manager time? There’s the proof.”
Arsenal last lifted the trophy in 2004 during their unbeaten “Invincibles” campaign. For many fans, the long wait made the victory even sweeter. “I’ve got married, had a child, who’s now a teenager, and got divorced, all since Arsenal last won the league,” one supporter said.
Celebrations spilled into quirky traditions, with one fan opening a five-year-old commemorative lager he had vowed to save until Arsenal won the league.
The title win also sparked messages of congratulations from public figures. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, a lifelong supporter, wrote: “22 long years for the Arsenal. But finally, we’re back where we belong. Champions!” Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton also joined in, while Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola offered his respect, saying Arsenal “deserve it.”
Arsenal now turn their focus to the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30, with fans hopeful of a historic double.
