Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy, ending a 22-year wait, and celebrations spilled into north London after Manchester City’s draw at Bournemouth set off scenes around the Emirates, according to ESPN. The title was described as both a reward and a release after a season that at times felt far from secure.
The campaign included a 2-1 defeat at the Etihad that nearly handed the initiative back to City, followed by a run sealed by four 1-0 victories, a VAR-deemed foul on David Raya and a Junior Kroupi stunner, according to ESPN. Those results ultimately delivered the club its first league crown in more than two decades.
Fans gathered in force in the days after the title was confirmed, with hoards converging on the stadium and, by some estimates, about 100,000 people in the N7 area that night, according to ESPN. Streets around Holloway Road were described as heaving on the following Sunday, with supporters queuing outside pubs from as early as 10 a.m., vendors selling “Champions” bucket hats and flags, and replica Premier League medals available for about £15, according to ESPN.
The club had nearly 200 first-responders stationed around the Emirates on Sunday, and one member of that team told ESPN they expected nearly 10,000 fans to turn up. Temperatures near 30 degrees Celsius and a Bank Holiday weekend were cited as additional factors driving the turnout, according to ESPN.
Supporters groups added to the atmosphere, with the Ashburton Army draping flags and banners above the Armoury and leading chants, according to ESPN. A lone Everton shirt drew a good-natured serenade after that club played a notable role in the title run-in, and supporters continued to travel to the stadium in large numbers in the days that followed.
Individual fans recounted their trips to the Emirates to ESPN. Barry, 28, who lives in Canada and is originally from China, said he flew in to join the celebrations though he could not secure a match ticket. Davo from New York City attended his first-ever Arsenal match and joined midnight celebrations after the Burnley win, saying he had planned to stay for parade plans before the club’s upcoming Champions League fixture, according to ESPN.
