Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions on May 19, 2026 — their first English league title in 22 years and their 14th overall — after Manchester City failed to beat Bournemouth at the Etihad. Junior Kroupi opened the scoring for Bournemouth in the 39th minute; Erling Haaland's stoppage-time equaliser arrived too late for City to force the goal they needed. Mikel Arteta becomes the first former Premier League player to win the title as a manager. Arsenal's campaign had the league's best defensive record — 26 goals conceded in 37 games — and set a Premier League single-season record for goals from corners.
How the title was confirmed
Arsenal's title was confirmed when Manchester City failed to beat Bournemouth at the Etihad. Junior Kroupi gave Bournemouth the lead in the 39th minute; Erling Haaland's stoppage-time equaliser arrived too late for City to force the winner they needed.
Ending the 22-year wait
This is Arsenal's first English league title since 2003-04 — the season the Invincibles went unbeaten under Arsène Wenger. It is the club's 14th English championship overall, putting them behind only Liverpool and Manchester United (each on 20).
Arteta's record
Mikel Arteta, who took charge of Arsenal in 2019, becomes the first former Premier League player to win the title as a manager. After three consecutive runner-up finishes, it is a moment that closes a personal arc as much as a club one.
Defensive record
Arsenal's campaign rested on the league's best defensive record. They conceded just 26 goals in 37 matches, a number Pep Guardiola publicly cited as the reason Manchester City could not close the gap in the final weeks.
Set pieces — a Premier League record
Of Arsenal's 28 goals from set pieces, 18 came from corners — a new Premier League single-season record. Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover and his work with the dead-ball squad were widely credited.
Mentioned in this story
First English league title in 22 years; 14th overall.
Took charge in 2019; first former Premier League player to win the title as a manager.
Drew 1-1 with Bournemouth at the Etihad, handing Arsenal the title.
Scored the 39th-minute opener at the Etihad that confirmed Arsenal's title.
Scored a stoppage-time equaliser; arrived too late to change the outcome.