Arsenal secured the 2025-26 Premier League title on May 19, 2026, after Manchester City drew 1-1 with AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The result gave Arsenal an unassailable lead with one match remaining, ending a 22-year title drought for the club.
Title Decider
Manchester City’s match against Bournemouth determined the championship outcome. Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi scored in the 39th minute. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland equalized in stoppage time, but no further goals were scored. The draw meant City could reach a maximum of 81 points, while Arsenal had 82 points with one game remaining.
Arsenal had previously beaten Burnley 1-0 on May 18, moving five points clear of City. Following City’s draw, Arsenal’s lead became insurmountable.
Season Context
Arsenal had finished as Premier League runners-up for three consecutive seasons prior to this victory, including the 2023-24 season when Manchester City won by two points. The club’s previous top-flight title came in the 2003-04 season, when the team went undefeated (“The Invincibles”).
This marks the third consecutive season with a different champion (Liverpool in 2024-25, Manchester City in 2023-24). It is the first time since 2017 that a team other than Manchester City or Liverpool has won the title.
Title Details
Arsenal’s 14th league title is their fourth in the Premier League era. The club has won five FA Cups and six Community Shields since their last league title.
Club Premier League Titles Manchester United 13 Manchester City 8 Chelsea 5 Arsenal 4 Liverpool 2 Blackburn Rovers 1 Leicester City 1Arsenal teenager Max Dowman, aged 16 years and 144 days, became the youngest Premier League winner, surpassing Phil Foden’s record. Goalkeeper David Raya won the Golden Glove for the third consecutive season.
Manager and Player Statements
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola stated he would discuss his future with the club chairman in the coming days. He said: “The players gave everything... We congratulate Arsenal and Mikel for this Premier League. They deserve it.”
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice posted on social media: “I told you all... it’s done,” alongside a photo of him and teammates celebrating.
Upcoming Matches
Arsenal will play Crystal Palace on May 24 in their final league match, where they will lift the trophy. The club is scheduled to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final on May 30, with a victory giving them a league and Champions League double. A title parade is scheduled for May 31, regardless of the Champions League final result.
Related Events
- Bournemouth extended their unbeaten league streak to 17 games and secured European football for the first time.
- Tottenham’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea kept West Ham’s hopes of avoiding relegation alive. With one game remaining, West Ham were in third-last place, two points behind Tottenham.
- Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-offs for spying on opponents; Middlesbrough will face Hull City in the final.