Arsenal are Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City failed to beat Bournemouth, and stars and staff celebrated until the early hours of Wednesday morning
Mikel Arteta was the brain behind Arsenal’s celebrations after winning their first Premier League title in 22 years… but he missed it all.
Arteta was the chief party planner, deciding at 11pm on Monday night to send round a WhatsApp to players and staff following the win over Burnley to ensure they watched the game together. They were taking nothing for granted, not even beating Burnley, so his plan was only put into practice after Kai Havertz’s winner had secured the 1-0 win at the Emirates.
Arteta informed his players that Tuesday’s training session was being put back until later in the day so that all the players would be present at their London Colney HQ to watch Manchester City’s meeting with Bournemouth.
It also ensured there was no stage-managed party like Jamie Vardy’s unforgettable house party in 2016, as Spurs were held by Chelsea and Leicester celebrated their unlikely triump; that night there was cameras and even a picture agency on hand to get the desired snaps.
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Thus, Arsenal’s players trained and then watched the game together along with staff. But there was one key person missing: Arteta.
Instead, the Spaniard went home. He wanted to let his players enjoy the night but after such an emotionally charged campaign, wanted to take himself away to watch the game with his family.
Once Arsenal players saw City had dropped points on the south coast – Junior Kroupi’s goal ultimately sealing City’s fate despite Erling Haaland’s late equaliser on the south coast – the party began.
Players posted on social media, the club photographer was there to shoot snaps and Arsenal stars jumped in the swimming pool to celebrate their unforgettable night.
Arteta had also given his blessing to the players going out afterwards, leading several squad members to head out into central London to celebrate.
It ended with Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and Eberechi Eze outside the Emirates at 5am after they had toasted their title success. Few players drink to excess these days and they would not have been celebrating if it had gone to the final day.
There will be some down time on Wednesday before a huge UEFA media event on Thursday as preparations begin for the Champions League final against PSG in Hungary next Saturday.
Before then they go to Crystal Palace on Sunday for the trophy lift and more celebrations, followed by a fancy meal in central London on Sunday night. That has become a tradition after the final game of the season, a meal and a get-together at a London hotel.
But this time it will feel extra special.
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