Arsenal Secures First Premier League Title in 22 Years

London. A message in a bottle, fire lit on the training ground, and an AI TikTok song have helped Arsenal secure their first Premier League title in 22 years. It may sound strange, but each of these elements has contributed in its own way to this long-awaited success brought by Mikel Arteta to North London. Arsenal became champions on Tuesday after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth. But how did they win this title?

• Ups and downs, fire, and belief

Arteta has a special fondness for fire. Last month, when the title race was in jeopardy due to a poor run of form, he made the players throw their negative thoughts into a fire lit at the club's training ground. In the long term, Arteta organizes barbecues at the club's London Colney headquarters for players, staff, and their families, showing how much he values relationships. And that fire is still burning.

Having already won the title, Arsenal will now set their sights on the Champions League title when they play Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on May 30. Winning that final in Budapest could make this team the best in the club's history. This is not just the story of one dominant season, but the result of a carefully crafted six-year project. As Arteta said in 2020, 'Trust the process.' Over time, he has proven to be right.

Arteta is a force who has made the team one of the best in European football. He and Sporting Director Edu Gaspar are deserving of praise for this season's success. But in reality, this success has been built over many years of hard work. Former Sporting Director Edu and his team transformed the club's identity. Ten of the top 15 players with the most appearances in the Premier League this season were signed during Edu's tenure. CEO Richard Garlick and club co-chairman Josh Kroenke also played important roles. Kroenke was a regular presence at the training ground this season.

Kroenke returned to London after the loss to Manchester United in January. It was then that Arteta made an emotional appeal to the fans to 'get on the bus' with his team. The club's academy staff also played a big role in this. First-team players like Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelley, Ethan Nwaneri, and Max Dowman are products of the youth system.

Arsenal's season was not without challenges. After losing the Carabao Cup final to City, Arteta made the emotional decision to play goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, whose mistake cost them the title. But after losing to City again in the league, the team emerged stronger.

Arteta has always adopted innovative methods. An AI song featuring the names of all team members became the 'anthem' of the season, which the players really liked. The song also included Arteta's favorite saying, 'Make It Happen.' By winning the title, he has made that a reality.

• Arteta, Intensity, and Building a Legacy

Arteta's goal is to build a legacy of sustained success. Winning once is impressive, but repeating it is the mark of a truly great team. Arteta, whose contract expires at the end of next season, is a priority for all parties to secure a new contract. With a new contract, his salary is expected to reach a base of £10 million per season, plus an additional £5 million for Champions League qualification. Internal discussions are also underway regarding the contract renewal of Sporting Director Edu, who has been rumored to be heading to Saudi Arabia.

Arsenal has now molded itself in Arteta's image. In September 2020, his title changed from Head Coach to Manager. A five-person group comprising Kroenke, Garlick, James King, Edu, and Arteta determines the club's football direction. Gabriel Heinze, who joined as an assistant coach last year, has made a big impact by initiating inspirational 'huddles' for the defenders before every game. Arteta has also learned to delegate, preventing players from getting tired of hearing the same voice.

The club's focus is now on next season. Arsenal wants to sign a midfielder, a left-winger, and a striker. However, after spending £250 million last year, the focus will now be more on selling players. An agreement has been reached to sell Jakub Kiwior to Porto for £14.7 million. Christian Nørgaard may be allowed to leave, and the club is open to offers for Ben White, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Fábio Vieira.

The club is also considering selling academy players like Nwaneri, who is on loan at Marseille, or Lewis-Skelley, to show 'net profit' on its balance sheet. Managing expenses is not easy due to salary increases for Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, and player bonuses.

• When did the season preparation begin?

The foundation for this special season was laid in November 2024 during a meeting with Kroenke in America. Edu left the club in November, and Edu was appointed Sporting Director in March 2025. Edu's goal was to sign young players, while Edu's mandate was clear - to win.

• Search for a Striker

After finishing second for three consecutive times, Arsenal needed a goalscorer. The club signed Viktor Gyökeres for £64 million, surpassing Benjamin Šeško (who went to Manchester United). He was seen as a 'win-now' player. Arteta reluctantly agreed to his signing. Although he struggled initially, Gyökeres has scored 21 goals in all competitions.

• Stories of the Season

The defensive performances of Gabriel and Saliba are a big part of this title. However, another big story of this season is the rise of 15-year-old Max Dowman. Many agents and scouts have called him the best academy player they have ever seen. Arteta himself has compared his talent to that of Argentine legend Lionel Messi. Dowman became the youngest player to play for the club, the youngest to play in the Champions League, and the youngest to score in the Premier League.

Declan Rice has played the most minutes this season due to injuries to key players. Rice, goalkeeper David Raya, and Gabriel have undoubtedly been important this season. But this title is the result of a collective effort and a long-term project that has finally succeeded. What happens next remains to be seen.