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I’m so HAPPY we were crowned champions before a ball was even kicked, in this fixture. The last thing I wanted, was to desperately need a win, on the final day of the season… AWAY to Palace.

Yes, The Gunners often shoot down The Eagles… but birds of prey, ALWAYS have a chance.

Thanks to Mancheatster City crumbling under the pressure against Bournemouth, we can approach this game calmly, happily, and carefree.

Players can be rested, as we STILL have a Champions League final to prepare for.

Credit to Mikel Arteta, his coaching staff, the players, and us fans. It’s been a loooooong… arduous, painful, banter riddled road… but alas… WE DID IT!!!

It’s still surreal at the moment, but seeing the players hold the Premier League trophy aloft, for the first time in 22 YEEEEAAAAARS… will make it official.

The crying from rival fans, has been sweet melodic tones to my ear drums.

The humble pie that the bias ex-pros, and mainstream football media, must now consume, and wash down with sour grapes… is simply dining excellence, and EVERYTHING they all deserve. (HAHAHAH)

No matter how much they moan, no matter how much they hate us, no matter how much they criticise our football, no matter how many false narratives they create… WE’RE THE CHAMPIONS… and there’s NOTHING they can do to change that! It’s absolutely, BEAUTIFUL!!

So anyway, the starting lineup for the final game of the Premier League season, had a lot of changes, as expected.

Kepa Arrizabalaga started in goal, Calafiori at left-back, Hincapie and Norgaard, central… and Mosquera at right-back.

In the midfield, it was Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, and Max “The Wonderkid” Dowman. Now the latter, became the youngest ever player, to start a Premier League game.

Another record set, by this incredible young man… who’s kindly taken time out of his GCSE revision, to play for The Arsenal. Amazing stuff Max!!

The frontline was Martinelli on the left, Gabriel Jesus through the middle, and Madueke on the right.

There was a party atmosphere from both sets of fans. The Gunners’ fans still celebrating winning the title, and the Eagles’ were celebrating the fact that they have a Europa Conference League final to play. The Eagles faithful, were also determined to give their manager Oliver Glasner, a joyous farewell… in his final Premier League game, as the Crystal Palace manager.

We started on the front foot, and were playing with a freedom that suggested… now that we’ve reached the summit, all pressure has dissipated. All uncertainty, concern, anxiety, nervousness, and the burden of expectation… had gone. This was a game without consequence… a game that was merely standing in the way, of our trophy lifting ceremony.

Both teams were aware that they have a European Cup Final to navigate, so no players wanted to risk injury… by flying into tackles, and making the game a full-blooded, battle riddled, London Derby.

All of the above, coupled with the warm weather, made the game feel like a pre-season friendly… and this was ok with absolutely everyone.

We created multiple chances, and were in complete control of the game. Gabriel Jesus should’ve had a hat-trick, at the very least. The squandered chances have been somewhat of a theme for us, throughout this season… so final day squandering, seemed fitting.

Thankfully, we could laugh about it… and just when I accepted we’d end the half 0-0… in the 42^nd minute, the ball was passed to Max Dowman… and he flicked the ball beautifully around the corner to Martinelli, who slid the ball to Jesus, and he slotted the ball home. 1-0 to The Arsenal!! A well-deserved lead too, and that’s how the first half finished.

The second half started, and Kai Havertz was introduced for Christian Norgaard, in the 46^th minute.

It took only 2 minutes for Havertz to make an impact.

We earned a corner in the 48^th minute, and the ball was swung in deep to Havertz at the far post. He headed the ball back across goal, and Madueke volleyed the ball in, from just inside the box. A well worked set-piece, and an excellent finish by Noni Madueke. 2-0 to The Arsenal!!

Mikel Merino replaced Max Dowman in the 62^nd minute. The Wonderkid had a good game, and it was another Premier League game of experience, that can be added to his footballing education.

It was good to see Merino back playing, after suffering such a horrendous injury, that kept him out for most of the season.

We took our foot off the gas, and were cruising to victory.

Arteta mindful that some players need minutes in their legs, ahead of the Champions League Final… he made further substitutions.

Eze came on for Gabriel Jesus in the 75^th minute, and Madueke made way for Gyokeres, in the 83^rd minute.

Eze got a brilliant reception from both sets of fans, which was a special moment for him, and his family.

The Eagles suddenly decided to start playing football, and after a good passing move in the 89^th minute… Mateta pulled a goal back. 2-1 now the scoreline.

Pino put the ball in the net a minute later, but it was ruled out for offside.

We managed to see the game out, and it finished 2-1 to The Arsenal. 2-1 to the CHAMPIONS!!

After what felt like an age of waiting, the Premier League trophy was FINALLY brought out, and placed on the podium… as the Arsenal players walked up to collect their winners medals.

All medals were now collected, the players, the manager, and the backroom staff, were now all in position… just about containing their excitement. Our captain, Martin Odegaard took the trophy off the podium… walked towards his teammates, aaaaand lifted it above his head, arms straight, and locked in place.

The roars, cheers, confetti, red smoke, and fireworks… were all released. It was beautiful! The players began to pass the trophy around, and as each player lifted it… there were rapturous cheers, and applause, from the fans. It was wonderful to witness, and something us fans, the players, and the manager… had waited a LOOOOOOOOOOOONG TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIME for!

With the curtain now closed on the Premier League, thoughts are definitely turning towards the Champions League Final. It’s going to be a tough, tough, game… but nobody wins that competition easily.

I believe we’ll be more confident going into the final, after being crowned Premier League champions. We’ve now proven we can win the “Big” trophies, and the players will have the belief that we can now go on to win the big-eared trophy… and I believe it too!!

What was your favourite thing about the Premier League win, celebrations?

What’s your score prediction for the Champions League Final?

Who would your starting 11 be, in the Champions League Final?

Let me know in the comments as usual. COYG!!

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