Arsenal’s 22-year wait for the Premier League is finally over after Manchester City failed to win at Bournemouth – and Pep Guardiola admits Mikel Arteta’s men deserve it
Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal heroes after Manchester City finally surrendered the title.
City knew only victory would be enough at Bournemouth on Tuesday night to take the title race to the final day, following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Burnley on Monday night.
But the FA Cup winners couldn’t get the job done on the south coast, Erling Haaland’s injury time goal only enough to hand them a share of the spoils after Junior Kroupi’s superb first-half strike.
The Arsenal squad celebrated at the club’s training ground after doing a late session, as they watched Bournemouth win the title for them. They celebrated joyfully, and lined up for a team picture with a giant cardboard cut out of the Premier League trophy.
Guardiola sent his congratulations to his former assistant Arteta who has led Arsenal to their first title in 22 years.
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Guardiola said: “Congratulations to Mikel, congratulations to Arsenal, they have been phenomenal.
“We were close. On behalf of everyone at Manchester City, we congratulate Mikel and all the staff, players and fans on winning the Premier League. They deserve it.”
It means Guardiola will bow out at City after 10 years at the Etihad after Sunday’s final home game against Aston Villa. But he refused to confirm his exit, saying: “I have one more year of my contract. I will talk to the chairman at the end of the season.
“I will not tell you here – I have to talk to my chairman, my players and my staff.I’m the happiest man in the world to be at this extraordinary club. I am the happiest man on the planet to be in this club. This club is extraordinary. “When we finish the season, we will talk and take a decision.”
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice posted a picture on Instagram with his team-mates to celebrate their triumph with the caption: “I told you all.. it’s done.”
Former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who led the team to their last title, in 2004, featured in a celebratory post from the Gunners on their X account.
He said: “You did it. Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment.”
