For the first time since 2004, Arsenal FC are English football champions. Of all clubs, AFC Bournemouth made the decisive step possible: the Cherries held Manchester City to a 1-1 (1-0) draw on the penultimate Premier League matchday, meaning the Gunners, including international Kai Havertz, cannot be displaced from the top of the table with a four-point lead.
In 2004, Arsenal had celebrated their last, 13th, title under legendary manager Arsène Wenger and with goalkeeper Jens Lehmann as the unbeaten Invincibles.
French teenager Eli Junior Kroupi shocked Pep Guardiola’s side in the 39th minute with a precise curling shot into the corner – the 1-0 (39’) was also the turning point of the match. City, who never lived up to their role as favourites, only managed an equaliser through superstar Erling Haaland in the 90+5th minute – too late to defend the title.
For Guardiola, whose impending departure from Manchester overshadowed the match, the final home game against Europa League finalists Aston Villa will now become a farewell celebration.
Arsenal, meanwhile, can approach the season finale on Sunday at Crystal Palace (5:00 p.m./Sky) in a relaxed manner – six days before the Champions League final against title holders Paris Saint-Germain.
