Twenty-two years. That’s how long Arsenal fans have waited for this moment. Last night, in the most dramatic fashion possible, the wait finally ended — and north London is absolutely buzzing.
How did it happen?
After beating Burnley 1-0 on Monday night to move five points clear at the top of the table with only one game remaining, Arsenal’s title hopes rested on events at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday, as rivals Manchester City faced a must-win trip to high-flying Bournemouth.
Eli Junior Kroupi broke the deadlock shortly before half-time with a stunning curling finish, leaving City needing to find two goals without reply to stop the celebrations in north London. Erling Haaland smashed home deep into second-half stoppage time to give City hope, but it proved too little, too late — their 1-1 draw confirmed Arsenal as Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years
The scenes that followed were everything you’d expect. Declan Rice posted on Instagram with the caption “I told you all… it’s done.” Captain Martin Odegaard was pictured holding the Arsenal bottle that a Manchester City fan had made viral in a dig that the Gunners were ‘bottling’ the title. And former boss Arsène Wenger, who led the team to their last title in 2004, was featured in a celebratory post from the club on X.
When was the last time Arsenal won the Premier League?
Arsenal last won the Premier League 22 years ago, in the 2003-04 season under legendary manager Arsène Wenger. That squad finished comfortably ahead of runners-up Chelsea, who ended the campaign 11 points behind.
That team featured stars including Thierry Henry — the Premier League’s top scorer that year with 30 goals — Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires, Patrick Vieira and Ashley Cole. During that campaign they earned the nickname ‘The Invincibles’ after going unbeaten across all 38 league matches.
No other team has managed to win the Premier League title while staying unbeaten for an entire season — a feat that hadn’t been achieved in the English top flight since Preston North End did so 115 years earlier. Arsenal were also awarded a special gold trophy instead of the standard silverware — the only team ever to receive one.
The 2025-26 title is Arsenal’s fourth in the Premier League era. Their previous wins came in 1997-98, 2001-02, and 2003-04 — the first three all under Arsène Wenger.
What has Mikel Arteta achieved?
After finishing runners-up in each of the previous three seasons, Arsenal finally reclaimed the title with one game left in the campaign. The Gunners led the table for much of the season but came under pressure in April after a defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad — before responding strongly to hold off the defending champions and secure the title.
The title ends a six-year period without a trophy and is Arteta’s second major honour as manager at the Emirates Stadium. The Spaniard has quietly and patiently built one of the most cohesive, well-drilled squads in Europe — and this title is the vindication he and the fanbase have been waiting for.
The Arsenal parade 2026 — date, time and route
Now for the part everyone is searching for.
Arsenal’s trophy parade takes place today, Sunday May 31 2026 — and while it will be a Premier League trophy alone being lifted on those open-top buses, nobody in north London will be complaining. Arsenal’s Champions League dream ended in heartbreak in Budapest last night, as PSG retained their title on penalties after a 1-1 draw — Kai Havertz’s stunning sixth-minute opener was cancelled out by Dembélé’s second-half penalty, before Eze and Gabriel both missed from the spot in the shootout to hand PSG a 4-3 victory. It was gut-wrenching — but the Premier League title is real, the parade is happening, and north London will be celebrating regardless. Today is still a day to savour.
The parade is expected to begin either in the morning or around lunchtime on Sunday May 31, due to scheduling constraints involving players joining their national teams ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A start time and route has not yet been confirmed by Arsenal, but the proposed route mirrors past parades — starting at Emirates Stadium, travelling along Drayton Park, Aubert Park, Highbury Grove, St Paul’s Road and Upper Street, before returning to the stadium.
One thing to be aware of if you’re travelling from Budapest
Fans attending the Champions League final face a very narrow window to get back in time — the final kicks off late on May 30, with the parade the following morning. Players are in the same position, travelling back overnight with international duty beginning on June 1. If you’re planning to do both, sort your travel now.
What’s still to come
The Premier League title is secured. The parade is booked.
One thing is certain: north London is red, and it is very, very loud right now.
Arsenal trophy parade: Sunday May 31, 2026. Route through Islington, starting at Emirates Stadium. Full confirmation to follow from the club.