Arsenal crowned champions as Premier League season concludes with relegation drama and managerial farewells
The 2025-26 Premier League campaign ends with Arsenal securing their first title since 2004, while Manchester City, Tottenham, and Liverpool navigate complex permutations on the final day.
Arsenal have been confirmed as Premier League champions, ending a 22-year wait for the top flight title after Manchester City failed to secure victory at Bournemouth on Tuesday. The mathematical confirmation arrived while Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was hosting a family barbecue, with the news relayed by his son Gabriel, who plays in the club’s youth setup. Arteta described the achievement as one of the best feelings of his tenure, noting that his oldest son informed him of the title win with the words, “We are champions, daddy.” The Gunners will now prepare to lift the trophy at Crystal Palace on Sunday, with Arteta stating the club intends to write a new chapter in their history by targeting victory in the upcoming Champions League final in Budapest.
The conclusion of the season also marks the end of an era for Manchester City, where Pep Guardiola is set to manage his final Premier League match against Aston Villa. Guardiola, who has a year remaining on his contract, will depart to assume the role of global ambassador, concluding a decade-long tenure that saw him secure six Premier League titles, one Champions League trophy, and 17 major honours. The club has identified Enzo Maresca, the former Chelsea manager and Guardiola’s former assistant, as the favourite to succeed him. Guardiola acknowledged the inevitability of change, stating that while nothing is eternal, the memories and love for the club would remain.
At the opposite end of the table, a fierce relegation battle is unfolding between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. Tottenham sit in 17th place with 38 points, holding a two-point advantage over West Ham, who are in 18th place. Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi emphasised the need to maintain dignity and pride until the final minute, while West Ham face a more precarious position, requiring a victory over Leeds and assistance from Everton due to an inferior goal difference. Only a specific combination of results—Tottenham losing to Everton and West Ham winning—would see Spurs relegated.
The race for European qualification remains tightly contested, with Liverpool in pole position for the fifth Champions League spot. The Reds host Brentford and require only a point to secure their place, while Bournemouth, riding a 17-game unbeaten run, hold sixth place. Brighton & Hove Albion are also in contention for European spots, sitting three points behind Bournemouth in seventh. The situation is further complicated by Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph, which could potentially allow a sixth English team into the Champions League if Villa finish fifth, a scenario that would necessitate a Liverpool victory.
The final day is also defined by significant farewells, most notably for Mohamed Salah, who is set to make his last appearance for Liverpool. The Egyptian forward has publicly criticised the team’s playing style under manager Arne Slot, calling for a return to “heavy metal attacking” football following a recent defeat. Slot has declined to confirm whether Salah will be involved in the match against Brentford, maintaining his stance on team selection secrecy. Salah, who announced his departure in March, leaves after nine years at Anfield, a period marked by both record-breaking success and recent friction regarding his role and the club’s direction.
