Arsenal had waited for this moment for too long, so of course, they did not want it to end too quickly. About 90 minutes after lifting the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, Arsenal players began to leave Selhurst Park, while Mikel Arteta continued to attend the post-match press conference according to regulations. But clearly, everyone's minds were still immersed in the vibe of victory.
This is the first Premier League title in Arteta's coaching career. Selhurst Park that day almost became a stage exclusively for Arsenal. Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish even joked with the away team's fans that "give us 5 minutes" for the home team to complete their ritual part. In fact, Palace lasted about 25 minutes, as if intentionally wanting to increase the suspense before the opponent's coronation moment.
And then, when Martin Odegaard finally raised the silver cup, the entire Arsenal team and the coaching staff enjoyed every precious moment. Kai Havertz even had to sit down on the field for a few minutes to enjoy the emotions. The "Again ole ole" singing quickly turned into "Champions again ole ole" echoing throughout the stands.
When the players left the court one by one, they took the opportunity to take pictures with the championship medal. Some posed in their own style, some imitated Rafael Nadal's famous medal biting scene. David Raya also pointed to his wrist as if wanting to affirm that it was time to enjoy glory.
Perhaps that was also influenced by Jens Lehmann, who had just talked for quite a while with Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga before the trophy ceremony. The entire Arsenal squad, including Arteta, wore jerseys with the words "Champions 2026" on their backs. After Odegaard raised the trophy, the trophy continued to be awarded to Arteta for him and the fans to celebrate again before entering the interview area.
What moved Arteta the most was the feeling of truly touching the Premier League championship trophy for the first time.
Last night was a great night, but what we experienced today is even more special. All the staff are here. Everyone is part of this journey. You can see the joy on the faces of the players" - Arteta said.
That is the greatest meaning of the title - the specific existence of all the sacrifices, pain and defeats that Arsenal has experienced for many years. The match against Crystal Palace itself is almost no longer too important. Arsenal won 2-1 to close the season with 85 points - a very impressive achievement in the context of fierce competition in the Premier League this season.
More importantly, for the first time in many years, Arsenal and fans can enjoy the feeling of championship without the pressure to prove anything anymore.
Arteta admitted that the biggest feeling at this time is relief: "We have made a lot of progress throughout this journey. But the ultimate goal is always to win big titles. We have come very close many times and all failed at the last minute. That is painful, but it also makes everyone have to find a way to get better".
According to Arteta, the way Arsenal overcame those defeats made this championship more meaningful than ever.
He also told the players that the Arsenal shirt now has a different meaning: "We are champions. That brings confidence, energy and a completely different mindset".
After the match, Arteta especially thanked those who had placed their trust in him when he had no top coaching experience. The Spanish captain mentioned Edu, Tim Lewis, Vinai Venkatesham and many former members of Arsenal's leadership - those who faced many doubts when appointing him.
While Arsenal enjoys the coronation night, Crystal Palace also has their own reasons to be proud of. Coach Oliver Glasner continues to be praised after a successful season with Palace and still has the Europa Conference League final ahead.
But the focus that day belonged to Arsenal. For Arteta, the Premier League title is not the final destination: "The task now is to raise the standard even higher. I believe this team can achieve even greater things.
Arsenal is preparing to enter the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest. And Arteta wants the whole team to take advantage of the positive energy from the championship to aim for the next historical milestone.
We need to maintain this feeling. If we go against that energy source, it will be a big mistake. Now we have the opportunity to write a new chapter in the club's history with the Champions League title," the Arsenal coach added.
However, when asked if he really fully felt the meaning of becoming a Premier League champion, Arteta still shook his head: "Currently, the only thing we need to do is continue to win matches. Just one more victory, we will become European champions".
