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Arsenal stars hit back at bottlers tag as title celebrations begin
20th May, 2026 10:06 AM
Arsenal players and fans are refusing to let their historic moment slide, especially after enduring years of intense criticism and trolling en route to ending their 22-year title drought.
The Arsenal squad arrived at the Emirates Stadium this morning, Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in a celebratory mood, greeted by deafening cheers from the fans.
In a video captured at the iconic venue, vice-captain Bukayo Saka made his way inside clad in jeans and a striped white shirt, casually wearing slides on his feet.
Midfielder Declan Rice, who has been phenomenal throughout the campaign in his second season with the club, was mobbed by supporters. He thumped the air in jubilation and paused to take photos with the ecstatic crowd.
Dutch defender Jurriën Timber, who has been out of action with an injury, also joined the early celebrations.
Eberechi Eze, who celebrates his first Premier League title since joining Arsenal, took the opportunity to silence the critics who had heavily labeled the team as ‘bottlers’, sharing a picture of an Arsenal-branded bottle, Eze added a poignant caption.
Shushing critics
The post came moments after he shared an image of himself gesturing to hush the crowd, effectively telling critics to keep quiet now that Arsenal are champions.
“God alone decides. 22 years? Hold that ” the Instagram post on Wednesday read.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus celebrated an uncanny piece of personal football history. By helping Arsenal end their 22-year wait for the English crown, the Brazilian repeated a unique feat from his past.
Remarkably, Jesus was a key part of the triumphant Palmeiras team of 2016 that clinched the Brazilian league title after an identical 22-year drought. Jesus had a phenomenal breakout season with the São Paulo-based club, scoring 12 goals to lead them to that title.
“22 years without a Brasileiro title…” “22 years without an English [PL] title…” Jesus’ Instagram post read, accompanied by a picture of him lifting both trophies.
The celebrations come as their closest challengers and league runners-up, Manchester City, conceded defeat in the title race.
In statements released after the race was officially decided by City’s draw away at Bournemouth on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, manager Pep Guardiola and striker Erling Haaland both congratulated the new champions, acknowledging Arsenal’s victory as well-deserved.
