SOCCER: Champions Arsenal finish Premier League season on high with win at Palace

LONDON – Arsenal celebrated their coronation as Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday at Selhurst Park.

The final-day win capped a remarkable season in which Mikel Arteta’s side finished on 85 points, seven clear of second-placed Manchester City, who lost 2-1 to Aston Villa.

Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke secured Arsenal’s 26th league win of the campaign, while Jean-Philippe Mateta headed in a late consolation for Palace in what marked Oliver Glasner’s final home match in charge of the London club.

Guard of Honour

The occasion began with traditional Premier League ceremony as Crystal Palace players formed a guard of honour before kickoff, applauding the newly crowned champions onto the pitch.

Following the final whistle, Arsenal supporters remained in their seats for the trophy presentation. The silverware was brought out by club co-chairmen Stan Kroenke and Josh Kroenke.

Players changed into special red-and-white “Champions” shirts marked with the number 26 as they received their winners’ medals.

Captain Martin Odegaard then lifted the trophy amid jubilant celebrations, with confetti and champagne filling the air.

The loudest ovation was reserved for Arteta, who carried the trophy toward the traveling supporters. Fans responded with chants of the club anthem “The Angel (North London Forever),” while the Spanish manager was lifted into the air by his players.

“There are doubts and the understanding that maybe you are not the right person. Thanks to God that we have done it,” Arteta told Sky Sports.

“I feel a lot of joy and relief as well. I can control a lot of things, but there are things that are out of your hands. That’s when you need the best people around you.”

Rotations Ahead of European Final

With the league title already secured, Arteta rotated his squad ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Goalkeeper David Raya was not included in the matchday squad, with Kepa Arrizabalaga starting in his place. Regular starters Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel, Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice began on the bench.

Sixteen-year-old Max Dowman made history as the youngest player ever to start a Premier League match, aged 16 years and 144 days.

Arsenal opened the scoring when Jesus finished a low effort at the near post after being played through by Gabriel Martinelli.

The second goal came three minutes after the restart, with Arsenal again scoring from a set piece. Havertz headed a corner back across goal for Madueke, who volleyed home through a crowded penalty area.

Eze, who joined from Palace in August, received a warm reception from home supporters when he came on in the 75th minute, with fans acknowledging his role in their FA Cup triumph last season.

Palace briefly thought they had equalized in the 89th minute when Yeremy Pino found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a deflection involving Evann Guessand.

“It was so special. A lot of emotions and a lot of hard work behind it. It’s emotional, but a beautiful day and an amazing achievement,” Odegaard said. -Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise, Andrew Cawthorne and Ed Osmond/Reuters