The Long Wait is Over: Arsenal are Champions of England

The Gunners were crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City could only manage a 1–1 draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday night.

Arsenal, who have dominated the top of the table for much of the campaign, have held off Pep Guardiola's side to win the league for the first time since the Invincibles of the 2003–04 season.

The road to glory was not without its turbulence. A 2–1 defeat at Manchester City in April seemed to hand the title advantage firmly to Guardiola's side, and for a brief, anxious spell, the familiar spectre of another near-miss loomed.

But the Gunners rallied, just as champions do, and seeing off three successive runners-up finishes, they have finally gone all the way.

The man who last led the club to this prize offered his blessing from afar. Wenger, who guided that celebrated Invincibles side, was featured in a celebratory post from the club, and his words carried the quiet authority of someone who knows precisely what this moment means.

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

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith, a two-time title-winner, Smith, expressed his delight at seeing his former club finally get over the line after several near-misses in recent seasons.

"Brilliant! It's fully deserved, said Sky Sports' Smith, who was co-commentator for City's draw on Tuesday.

Arsenal’s top guns who made it happen

Championships are not won by squads; they are won by individuals stepping up in the moments that matter. This Arsenal side has had several.

David Raya (Goalkeeper)

A strong case for not just Arsenal's player of the season, but the best in the division.

From denying Manchester United's Matheus Cunha on the opening weekend to an extraordinary stop against West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, Raya has earned a third successive Golden Glove award for most clean sheets.

William Saliba (Defender)

The best defender in the world? He is certainly up there, and at just 25 years old, the argument grows harder to dismiss with every passing week.

Declan Rice (Midfielder)

The driving force of this team. It is no coincidence that he has spent more time on the pitch in the Premier League than any Arsenal player barring Raya.

Leandro Trossard (Forward)

Rumoured to be departing last summer to help balance the books after Arsenal spent more than £250m on new players, Arteta will be thoroughly pleased the club chose to keep him. His winning goal at West Ham proved priceless.

Viktor Gyökeres (Striker)

A slow-burn big summer signing who took time to find his feet, scoring just once in 11 games either side of Christmas. But the Swede found his groove, finishing with 14 league goals in a debut season that ultimately justified the £64m fee.

For a club that has spent the better part of two decades watching rivals lift trophies from afar, this title carries a weight that goes beyond points and results.

Arsenal are champions of England. After 22 years, the wait is done.