Arsenal lift Premier League trophy after beating Palace

Arsenal lift Premier League trophy after beating Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park on 23 May 2026 as Mikel Arteta’s side celebrated their first English league title in 22 years in style. Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke secured victory for the Gunners before captain Martin Ødegaard lifted the Premier League trophy in front of thousands of jubilant supporters.

The north London side officially sealed the title earlier in the week when Manchester City dropped points against Bournemouth, ending Arsenal’s long wait to be crowned champions of England once again.

Sunday’s victory over Crystal Palace completed a remarkable league campaign for Arsenal, who finished seven points clear at the top of the standings after winning 26 of their 38 matches. With celebrations continuing long after the final whistle, attention will now turn to Arsenal’s upcoming UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest.

Arsenal celebrate long-awaited Premier League triumph

The atmosphere at Selhurst Park was electric as Arsenal players, staff and supporters celebrated one of the club’s greatest achievements in modern history. After years of rebuilding under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal finally returned to the summit of English football. Their consistency, tactical discipline and attacking football throughout the season made them worthy champions.

The celebrations reached their peak after the final whistle when Martin Ødegaard received the Premier League trophy before lifting it high into the air amid red confetti and fireworks. Thousands of Arsenal supporters remained inside the stadium long after the match ended, singing club anthem “North London Forever” while players sprayed champagne across the pitch.

Mikel Arteta leads Arsenal revival

Much of Arsenal’s success has been credited to manager Mikel Arteta, who has transformed the club since taking charge. Arteta, visibly emotional during the celebrations, was thrown into the air by his players after receiving his winner’s medal. The Spanish coach has overseen Arsenal’s evolution from a rebuilding side into Premier League champions.

Speaking after the match, Arteta revealed that the squad is already focused on their next challenge.

“We already talked about what we have to do in Budapest, how we’re going to use all the incredible energy that we’re all carrying towards that final,” Arteta said.

“We can’t wait to write a new chapter in the history of our club and win the Champions League.”

Winning both the Premier League and the Champions League in the same season would complete one of the greatest campaigns in Arsenal’s history.

Arsenal defeat Crystal Palace 2-1

Despite making several changes ahead of the upcoming Champions League final, Arsenal still produced a strong performance against Crystal Palace.

The Gunners dominated possession during most of the encounter and created several opportunities early in the game. Gabriel Jesus struck the post inside the opening minutes before eventually breaking the deadlock late in the first half. Gabriel Martinelli provided a clever pass for Jesus, who fired a low shot past Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson in the 42nd minute.

Noni Madueke doubles Arsenal’s lead

Arsenal continued their momentum after halftime and scored again in the 48th minute through Noni Madueke. The goal came from another expertly executed set-piece routine, which has become one of Arsenal’s biggest strengths this season. Kai Havertz headed the ball into Madueke’s path, allowing the winger to volley home from close range.

Arsenal supporters celebrated wildly as the second goal effectively secured victory and ensured the title celebrations could begin in earnest. Crystal Palace pulled one goal back late in the match through Jean-Philippe Mateta, but it did little to spoil Arsenal’s historic day.

Max Dowman makes Premier League history

One of the standout stories from the match was the inclusion of Arsenal teenager Max Dowman. At just 16 years and 144 days old, Dowman became the youngest player ever to start a Premier League match, breaking the previous record held by Jose Baxter since 2008.

The young midfielder impressed during his time on the pitch and even played a role in Arsenal’s opening goal with a clever flick that helped start the attacking move. Dowman’s appearance highlighted Arsenal’s commitment to developing young talent under Arteta’s leadership.

Crystal Palace focus on Conference League final

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner also rotated his squad heavily ahead of the club’s upcoming UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano. Several key Palace players were rested, although the team still showed determination throughout the match despite Arsenal’s dominance.

Palace supporters remained supportive throughout the afternoon and applauded their team after the final whistle ahead of their historic European final. Glasner, who appeared emotional during a post-match address to supporters, reflected on his connection with the club.

“I came here as a stranger and now after two years I feel like I’m a south Londoner,” Glasner said.

The Austrian coach also revealed he has rejected several managerial offers in order to remain focused on Crystal Palace.

Arsenal given guard of honour

Before kickoff, Crystal Palace players formed a guard of honour for Arsenal in recognition of their title-winning achievement. The gesture symbolised Arsenal’s dominance throughout the 2025/26 season and added to the celebratory atmosphere at Selhurst Park.

Arteta had demanded that his players maintain high standards despite already winning the title, and Arsenal responded with another composed and professional performance.

Arsenal’s set-piece dominance continues

One of Arsenal’s defining strengths this season has been their effectiveness from set-pieces. Madueke’s goal against Palace marked Arsenal’s 19th Premier League goal from a corner during the campaign, underlining the influence of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.

Opponents have consistently struggled to defend Arsenal’s routines, which have become a vital weapon in Arteta’s tactical system. The ability to score from dead-ball situations has played a huge role in Arsenal’s successful title challenge.

Premier League 2025/26 standings

Arsenal finished the season comfortably clear at the top of the table after a dominant campaign.

Premier League standings table

Arsenal turn attention to Champions League final

After finally ending their long wait for domestic glory, Arsenal now have the opportunity to achieve even greater success.

The Gunners will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, with hopes of winning Europe’s biggest club competition for the first time in their history.

Victory in Budapest would elevate this Arsenal side into legendary status and cement Arteta’s place among the club’s greatest managers.

With confidence high, momentum building and supporters fully behind the team, Arsenal now stand just one game away from completing a historic double.

Conclusion

Arsenal lift Premier League trophy after beating Palace in a memorable afternoon that symbolised the club’s incredible rise under Mikel Arteta. The 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park capped off a remarkable campaign filled with consistency, exciting football and unforgettable moments.

From Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke’s goals to Martin Ødegaard lifting the silverware, Arsenal supporters finally witnessed the reward for years of patience and rebuilding. The Gunners finished seven points clear at the top and proved themselves the best team in England throughout the 2025/26 season.

Now, with the Premier League trophy secured, Arsenal have the chance to make history once again in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. Winning Europe’s biggest prize would transform an already unforgettable season into the greatest campaign the club has ever achieved.