Arsenal Clinch Premier League Title: How a Bournemouth Draw Changed Everything

Daniel Kim 2026.05.23 Views

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[MyDaily — Reporter Kim Geon-ho] I didn’t text him.

AFC Bournemouth drew 1-1 with Manchester City in the 37th round of the 2025–26 Premier League at Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth on May 20 (KST).

Bournemouth’s draw with Manchester City—one of Arsenal’s title rivals—clinched the Premier League title for Arsenal. City needed a win to keep their hopes alive but managed only a single point.

Arsenal hadn’t finished top of the Premier League since their unbeaten 2003–04 campaign; this season they reclaimed the crown for the first time in 22 years.

According to Britain’s Talksport on May 21, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta thanked Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola. The two were teammates with Spain’s youth national team during their playing days.

Arteta said he spoke with Iraola directly. \”I didn’t send a text—no, I called,\” he said. \”I rang him yesterday to be the first to congratulate him on the incredible job he’s done at Bournemouth.\”

He added, \”I told him, ‘You almost took the Premier League away from us, and then you helped us win!’ I rang to say thank you, to pay my respects, and to wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career. I’m certain his next move will be very, very successful.\”

Meanwhile, the Arsenal players and staff watched the Bournemouth–Manchester City match back at the training ground, but Arteta did not join them.

Arteta explained why. \”It probably won’t feel real — it was one of the greatest feelings of my life,\” he said. He had planned to stay and watch the match with the players and staff because everyone wanted to, but he couldn’t — he left roughly 20 minutes before kickoff.

\”I didn’t think I could give them the energy I wanted,\” he said. \”Ultimately, it was their moment to be together, watch the game, and face the result as a group.\”

Arteta said he was barbecuing at home when his eldest son broke the news, and then captain Martin Ødegaard called him on a video call.

\”If I’d been there, the atmosphere wouldn’t have been the same,\” he said. \”I’m glad I left — the players celebrated wildly, the place was chaotic, and a few hours later we all got together and enjoyed the moment.\”