Premier League

Arsenal clinch Premier League title with win over Tottenham on final day

Mikel Arteta's side end 22-year wait for league crown after dramatic 2-1 victory at the Emirates.

Credit...Mietje Germonpré

Arsenal were crowned champions of England on Sunday, ending a 22-year drought as a 2-1 win over north London rivals Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium secured their first Premier League title since the Invincibles of 2003-04.

Bukayo Saka opened the scoring in the 14th minute, lashing home from the edge of the area after a flowing move involving Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice. Cristian Romero levelled for Spurs in the 58th minute, heading in from a James Maddison corner, but substitute Kai Havertz restored Arsenal's lead in the 78th minute, meeting a Riccardo Calafiori cross at the back post to send the home end into delirium.

The result, combined with Manchester City's 1-1 draw at Brighton — where Joao Pedro cancelled out Erling Haaland's first-half opener — lifted Arsenal four points clear of Pep Guardiola's side at the summit, ending City's bid for a fifth successive league title. Arsenal finished on 87 points, with City on 83 and Liverpool third on 78.

"This is for our supporters, for everyone who believed when belief was hard," manager Mikel Arteta said in his post-match press conference, his voice hoarse. "These players have shown a level of courage and consistency that deserves to be remembered. We have made history today."

Captain Martin Ødegaard, who lifted the trophy alongside Arteta on a stage erected over the centre circle, told Sky Sports: "I dreamed about this from the day I signed. To do it against Tottenham, on the last day, with our fans — I have no words."