Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has congratulated Arsenal after the north London side secured their first Premier League title in 22 years.
The Gunners were officially crowned champions after City were held to a 1-1 draw away to Bournemouth, meaning Mikel Arteta’s side now have an unassailable lead at the top of the table.
Despite narrowly missing out on another league title, Guardiola was quick to praise his former assistant and Arsenal’s players for their achievement.
“We were close. On behalf of everyone at Manchester City, we congratulate Mikel and all the staff, players and fans on winning the Premier League,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
“They deserve it, for so much hard work and effort.”
Pep Guardiola has been Manchester City's manager for 10 years. Sport Press Media, Shutterstock
Arteta previously worked under Guardiola at City and was part of the coaching setup that helped the club win two Premier League titles before taking charge at Arsenal.
The title win ends Arsenal’s 22-year wait to become English champions again, with the club’s last triumph coming under legendary former manager Arsene Wenger in 2004.
Arsenal’s players gathered at their training ground to watch City’s clash with Bournemouth, with celebrations erupting at the final whistle.
Midfielder Declan Rice later posted a picture alongside his team-mates on Instagram with the caption: “I told you all.. it’s done.”
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Wenger also joined in the celebrations with a message shared on Arsenal’s X account. He said: “You did it. Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment.”
Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman described the moment as emotional after years of waiting for another league crown.
He wrote on X: “Premier League champions!!! What a moment!!! What a season!!!!!!!! EPIC!!!!!!!!!! Longest (22 years and ) three minutes of MY LIFE…”
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith said the club fully deserved the title after several near misses in recent seasons.
“Brilliant, brilliant, fully deserved,” he said on Sky Sports.
“Obviously, they’ve had their moments in the last few seasons where they’ve come second, but you deserve to win it if you finish top.”
“They’ve had the best defence. They haven’t had the best attack – you’d probably say City have got the best attack – but, as an overall unit, Mikel Arteta’s done brilliantly well. I’m really pleased for my old club.”
Arsenal will officially lift the Premier League trophy following their final game of the season against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The club could yet complete a historic double, with Arteta’s side also preparing for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain later this month.
