Saka Fires Back at Critics After Arsenal End 22-Year EPL Title Drought

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has declared that critics are “not laughing anymore” after the Gunners secured their first Premier League title in 22 years.

Arsenal players and staff gathered at the club’s London Colney training ground on Tuesday to watch defending champions Manchester City draw 1-1 against Bournemouth, a result that confirmed Arsenal as Premier League champions with one game left to play.

The title triumph sparked celebrations among players, officials, and thousands of fans at the Emirates Stadium, where supporters lit fireworks and flares to mark the historic achievement.

Arsenal, who had finished runners-up in the previous three seasons, faced heavy criticism during the campaign, especially after their 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on April 19, with many accusing the team of lacking the mentality to win the title.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side responded strongly by winning their next four league matches without conceding a goal, while City dropped points against Everton and Bournemouth.

Speaking in a celebratory video shared by defender Jurrien Timber on Instagram, Saka expressed pride in Arsenal’s achievement.

“Twenty-two years, 22 years. There was laughing, there was joking, they’re not laughing anymore,” the England international said.

“Look, it is going to be shining bright,” he added while referring to the Premier League trophy.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also made history by joining the exclusive list of individuals who have won the English top-flight title both as a player and manager.

Arteta, who returned to Arsenal as manager in December 2019, was credited for rebuilding the club into title contenders after years of inconsistency.

Young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly also took a swipe at critics in another celebratory video.

“They called us bottlers, and now we’re holding the bottle,” he said while celebrating with a champagne bottle.

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who guided the club to three Premier League titles including the famous 2004 “Invincibles” season, congratulated the team in a message shared by the club.

“You did it. Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment,” Wenger said.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also congratulated Arteta and Arsenal for winning the title.

“On behalf of everyone at Manchester City, we congratulate Mikel and all the staff, players and fans on winning the Premier League. They deserve it for so much hard work and effort,” Guardiola said.

Arsenal will officially receive the Premier League trophy after their final league game against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Gunners could still complete a historic double as they prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final in Budapest on May 30.