Dare Babalola
Arsenal have clinched the Premier League title for the first time since 2004 after rivals Manchester City were held to a draw by AFC Bournemouth in what is expected to be Pep Guardiola’s penultimate match in charge of City.
Tuesday’s result leaves Mikel Arteta’s side four points clear at the top of the table ahead of the final round of matches on Sunday, confirming the Gunners as champions after ending a 22-year wait for the trophy.
Arsenal are now set to be crowned champions officially when they face Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.
The encounter at the Vitality Stadium was dominated by speculation surrounding the future of Guardiola, who has been linked with a possible departure from Manchester City at the end of the campaign.
Before kick-off, Guardiola dismissed suggestions that the uncertainty had affected his team’s preparations, insisting it had “absolutely zero” impact.
However, City struggled throughout the match against an energetic Bournemouth side.
Teenage forward Junior Kroupi gave Bournemouth the lead six minutes before halftime with a curling finish, while goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic produced a crucial save to deny Nico O’Reilly early in the second half.
Although Erling Haaland scored a late equaliser for City, Bournemouth held on for the draw that ultimately handed Arsenal the title.
The result also ensured Bournemouth secured European football for next season, marking a major achievement for manager Andoni Iraola, who has already confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the campaign.
