Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has said that the club’s critics are “not laughing anymore” as the Gunners celebrated winning their first English Premier League title in more than two decades.
Arsenal secured the league crown after closest rivals Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw away at Bournemouth, giving Mikel Arteta’s side an unassailable four point lead at the top of the table with one game remaining.
The squad gathered at the club’s London Colney training ground on Tuesday to watch the decisive result unfold, sparking jubilant celebrations among players and staff. Supporters also gathered outside the Emirates Stadium, where fireworks and flares lit up north London in celebration of the long awaited triumph.
The victory ends a 22 year wait for a Premier League title, with Arsenal having finished as runners up in the previous three seasons. The club had also faced repeated criticism for failing to win major silverware during their recent title challenges, including claims that they had “bottled” key moments in the race.
However, the Gunners responded strongly on the pitch, winning their final four league matches without conceding a goal to seal the championship in style.
In a video shared on social media, Saka reflected on the criticism the team had endured, saying the narrative around the club had now ced after their achievement.
“There was laughing, there was joking, they’re not laughing anymore,” Saka said, celebrating the long awaited success.
Fellow academy graduate Myles Lewis Skelly also joined in the celebrations, joking about the criticism the team had faced during their title chase, while highlighting the team’s resilience and unity.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who has rebuilt the team since taking charge in 2019, now joins a select group of individuals to win the Premier League both as a player and a manager. The Spaniard was praised by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who congratulated Arsenal on their achievement and acknowledged their consistency throughout the season.
Former manager Arsene Wenger also sent a congratulatory message, praising the team’s determination and encouraging them to enjoy their success after years of hard work and rebuilding.
Arsenal will officially lift the Premier League trophy after their final match of the season against Crystal Palace, with celebrations expected to continue across north London.
The club could still end the season on a high, as they prepare for a UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint Germain later this month.
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