Crystal Palace vs Arsenal | Premier League final day Live
- Arsenal lift first Premier League trophy in 22 years - live reaction and analysis
- Mikel Arteta admits to 'doubts' over whether he was the man to lead Arsenal
- 'No more jokes!' Bukayo Saka on ending Arsenal's banter years with title
- VERDICT: Arsenal are champions because they mastered the Premier League’s undeniable truth
- Premier League champions Arsenal finish season with 2-1 win at Crystal Palace
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard on preparations for Champions League final
22:29 , Jamie Braidwood
“We had a great celebration on on Tuesday. The vibes are unreal. Everyone is so happy, but we have another big final in just a week, so we'll wait to party for after that, I think.
“It would be unreal. We're living the dream, you know, winning a Premier League, being in a Champions League final.
“I was speaking to my mates about growing up, dreaming about this and now we're there, so we've gotta enjoy it and make sure we're ready and go for it and hopefully we can do it.”
Josh Kroenke: 'There's still one to be played for next weekend'
21:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke: “The family invested in Arsenal Football Club. Emotionally, financially, everything, this club means the world to us, and I think it took a few people a few years to really understand what that meant.
“ But now we've got some great people, we've got some great players, and great coaches, and I’ve just got to continue providing them the resources they can to go out and do magical things like they did this season.
“We've achieved one of our goals, but we have several other as well, and there's still one to be played for next weekend. So I think today is about enjoying today and tomorrow we'll get back to work because there's still one more to play.”
Premier League 2025/26 awards including best player, moment, signing and team of the season
21:29 , Jamie Braidwood
The Independent’s Sport team assess the season, including Newcastle and Liverpool’s thriller, Brentford overachieving and Man United finally finding a consistent goalkeeper...
Premier League 2025/26 awards including best player, moment and signing
Declan Rice on his 'it's not done yet' message after Man City defeat
20:57 , Jamie Braidwood
“I believed it 100 per cent because I took a lot from that game, but also to comfort my team-mates as well and calm everyone down because there were still five games to go. It weren't like it was the last game of the season.
“I think after that we started to just be a bit more free in our game, didn't we? Like we started to play a bit better, it was a little bit less pressure off us because in April, end of March, you could sense there was a bit of pressure with the performances.
“We were not trying to let any outside noise come in, but once that City game was over, I think we actually said, look, boys, it's five games, we've got this whole way top, like we can't throw this away. It was a strong message and it's paid off.”
Bukayo Saka on becoming a Premier League champion with Arsenal
20:28 , Jamie Braidwood
“It's crazy. I don't know how to describe it, you know. It's like when you're that age, you look at the players in the first team, it's like heroes, like untouchable. You don't actually believe you can get there.
“But now I'm here, I'm just like... I don't know what to say. I don't know what to say. I'm just over the moon, man. This is everything to me and my family. We've worked years for this, so I'm just so happy.”
'No more jokes!' Bukayo Saka on Arsenal's title
20:05 , Jamie Braidwood
Bukayo Saka, a one-club man with Arsenal, on ending the banter years with a first title in 22 years
“I was in a dark place, obviously I know what you guys have done for the club and where this club has been in the past. At that very moment we very, very low and very far from the level that I believed Arsenal should be.
“Obviously I know from school, from social media.... what people say about Arsenal, how they laugh about Arsenal, in that moment I was just so sad. I just wanted to put it all out in a post, and that's just what I felt at the moment.
“But it's done, man. It's no more jokes, man. It's our time.”
Arsenal are champions because they mastered the Premier League’s undeniable truth
19:46 , Miguel Delaney
In the giddy days between Arsenal being confirmed as English champions and actually getting to lift the Premier League trophy, there was a little line that the players had been talking about.
They wouldn’t actually believe they’d done it until they actually got to hold it; to feel how heavy it was.
It had been weighing over them for so long, after all. This proved it was real. Every part of its 25.4kg testament to that, nothing left to waste.
That’s a bit like Arsenal themselves, given how much went into this arduous title win. Nothing was left on the training ground.
This Premier League season demanded everything from them.
If there has been some commentary on how the Premier League also needed a different winner to underline its vaunted competitiveness, that touches on one of the key themes of the campaign.
Arsenal are champions because they mastered the Premier League’s undeniable truth
Mikel Arteta admits to 'doubts' over whether he was the man to lead Arsenal
19:37 , Jamie Braidwood
Mikel Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports, admits there were doubts over whether he was the right man to lead Arsenal and help them take the final step...
“I think we showed an incredible connection, an incredible commitment, and an incredible courage. Everything that was around us has fueled the desire that we have to go and do it and look at that.
“There are doubts… I think doubts and an understanding that maybe… OK, I've been able to take them all the way here, but maybe somebody else has to come and do the final job. But thank God. I feel a lot of joy and honestly a little bit of relief.
“I can control certain things, but there are many things that are out of your hands, and that's why you need the best people around you. Sometimes when you doubt yourself, to have people as well next to you to say, no, we're going to do it and we're going to do it with you.”
Martin Odegaard: 'We were so strong mentally'
19:31 , Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, speaking to Sky Sports after lifting the Premier League trophy:
“A lot of hard work behind there. So emotional but a beautiful, beautiful day Amazing achievement. You always have the doubt and the fear that you're not going to make it, but we have that belief in ourselves and even in the tougher situations.
“ I think we really, really stick together and probably even more in those situations, you know, so we had that belief and we know what we can. We just kept on fighting and we got there in the end.
“We were so strong mentally. After that [Man City defeat] that we said to each other we're still going to do it, it's not over. I think the belief was even stronger after that game, and I think we've shown that the last few games on the pitch to get over the line.
Mikel Arteta lifted high into the sky by Arsenal players
19:15 , Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal’s players have grabbed Mikel Arteta and are chucking him high to huge cheers from the travelling fans.
Arsenal squad and fans sing North London Forever
19:09 , Jamie Braidwood
Another special moment as the champions and the fans join together to sing North London Forever.
Worth the 22-year wait, Arsenal fans?
Special moments for Arsenal's players after a long season
19:06 , Jamie Braidwood
After three runners-up finishes in a row, Arsenal’s triumphant players are taking in every moment as they pass the Premier League trophy between them.
Mikel Arteta, who has put up with more criticism than anyone, spins around on the spot and then lifts the trophy high in front of the Arsenal fans! What a moment!
Arsenal lift first Premier League trophy in 22 years!
19:03 , Jamie Braidwood
Martin Odegaard has the widest grin as he takes the trophy in both hands... he bends down... and lifts the trophy high! FIREWORKS! RED SMOKE! ARSENAL ARE CHAMPIONS OF ENGLAND AGAIN!
Here comes Martin Odegaard to lift the Premier League trophy
19:02 , Jamie Braidwood
Kai Havertz, with his header against Burnley, the victory that brought Arsenal to the brink of the title. Gabriel Martinelli, who rescued a draw against Manchester City. Gabriel Jesus, disrupted by injury. Eberechi Eze, a champion in his first season, scorer of THAT hat-trick against Spurs. Declan Rice, the difference-maker, the best £100m signing of all-time. Bukayo Saka, the star-boy, a champion now. Jurrien Timber, so assured at right back. Mikel Merino, back from injury just in time. And now Martin Odegaard, the stylish leader who will now lift the Premier League trophy.
Arsenal stars receive their medals
18:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Riccardo Calafiori plants a little kiss on the Premier League trophy. What a moment for Myles Lewis-Skelly, too, the academy graduate who has made it into the first team and is now a champion. Max Dowman, the youngest Premier League champion, takes his medal after THAT moment against Everton. Leandro Trossard, the scorer of THAT goal against West Ham. Viktor Gyokeres, the scorer of 21 in his debut season.
Arsenal players begin to join Mikel Arteta on the stage
18:57 , Jamie Braidwood
David Raya is the first Arsenal player to receive his winners’ medal, followed by Pierro Hincapie and the defensive giants of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.
Mikel Arteta leads his Arsenal players onto the pitch
18:56 , Jamie Braidwood
Ah, yes. Arsenal’s players are back in red, their shirts emblazed with ‘Champions 26’ on the back. Mikel Arteta has changed into one, too, and claps hands with the Kroenkes. This is the most satisfying triumph for him.
Stan Kroenke and Josh Kroenke to bring Premier League title onto the pitch
18:54 , Jamie Braidwood
About 15 years ago Stan Kroenke was a hugely unpopular figure around Arsenal. But the American owner is now carrying the Premier League trophy onto the pitch with his son, Josh Kroenke, and to cheers from the away fans. That’s quite the turnaround.
Hundreds of Arsenal staff taking to the pitch before title party
18:51 , Jamie Braidwood
The majority of the Crystal Palace fans inside Selhurst Park have departed, the trophy stage has been built, and the Arsenal supporters are ready.
The players are about to emerge and receive their medals before Martin Odagaard lifts the trophy aloft. Team staff and coaches have also change into team jerseys. There are hundreds of Arsenal staff taking to the pitch!
Arsenal lift Premier League title: It's almost time
18:35 , Jamie Braidwood
We’ve had tears at Anfield and the Etihad as Mohamed Salah and Pep Guardiola wave goodbye. Over at Selhurst, Arsenal are preparing to lift the title. We’re just minutes away.
Crystal Palace wrap up their send-off
18:33 , Jamie Braidwood
It’s a big day for Crystal Palace, of course. Oliver Glasner has just waved farewell to Selhurst Park and they will now turn to Leipzig and Wednesday’s Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano. If the Eagles win that, they will qualify for next season’s Europa League. It would also be just their second major trophy, and second under the Austrian after last year’s FA Cup trophy. They will cross everything and pray Adam Wharton is available.
Next stop: Champions League final
18:28 , Jamie Braidwood
Mikel Arteta was able to rest several key players ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. They will enjoy today’s celebrations, but then Arsenal’s full focus will be turned towards winning their first European Cup.
There won’t be a trophy parade until Sunday May 31, the day after the Champions League final.
Arsenal fans in north London get the party started
18:19 , Jamie Braidwood
No doubt about it: Arsenal fans have turned north London red on the final day.
The party has started at the Emirates and around Highbury.
Premier League final day: Who has qualified for Europe?
18:17 , Jamie Braidwood
The Premier League will have five teams in the Champions League next season, plus up to three in the Europa League and one in the Conference League
Premier League final day: Who has qualified for Europe?
Tottenham stay up; West Ham relegated
18:10 , Jamie Braidwood
Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Everton is enough to avoid the unthinkable and relegation from the Premier League. Instead, West Ham go down by two points, despite their final-day win over Leeds. Relief at Spurs, but Roberto de Zerbi has pulled them away from danger.
Arsenal's players in their kit as trophy celebrations get underway
18:09 , Jamie Braidwood
The Arsenal players celebrate in front of the away end, with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka joining the party after resting up from the bench. Do Arsenal get changed into their red kits for the title photos?
Arsenal counting down to trophy celebrations
18:02 , Jamie Braidwood
So, about 30 minutes until Arsenal get their hands on the trophy.
Palace have to perform their own end-of-season send-off before they go to Leipzig and attempt to win the Conference League on Wednesday.
Tottenham are staying up, by the way.
FULL TIME! Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal
18:00 , Jamie Braidwood
THAT’S IT! A final-day victory for Arsenal to celebrate along with the trophy.
Remarkably, Eze had a chance to add a third with the final kick!
The former Crystal Palace man couldn’t beat his old team-mate Henderson!
Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal
17:58 , Jamie Braidwood
90+6 mins: Gyokeres drags one wide looking for the far corner! A chance, narrowly wide.
Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal
17:55 , Jamie Braidwood
90+3 mins: Arsenal are hanging on a bit here... Can Palace nick something?
The Gunners are now just counting down to the final whistle.
NO GOAL! Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal
17:53 , Jamie Braidwood
WOW! PALACE WILL BE BOUNCING INTO THEIR FINAL!
But no! It’s offside! Pino’s stunning strike took a brush off Evann Guessand, who was stood in an offside position. Offside was given on the pitch, confirmed by VAR.
Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal
17:52 , Jamie Braidwood
90 mins: There will be seven minutes of stoppage time.
GOAL! Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal (MATETA 89')
17:51 , Jamie Braidwood
No clean sheet for Arsenal! It’s a lovely goal from Palace, with Pino’s cross finding Mateta and the big striker’s header beating Kepa.
Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal
17:44 , Jamie Braidwood
82 mins: A worry for Arsenal as Madueke stays down holding his left hamstring. Arteta is going to take no chances and send on Gyokeres.
Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal
17:37 , Jamie Braidwood
74 mins: Martinelli races to the touchline and cuts it back to Havertz, who looks certain to score. But Mitchell throws his body in the way and makes a crucial block to deny the German.
Now, here comes Eze in place of Jesus. The man who won the FA Cup for Palace and lit up Selhurst returns as a Premier League winner, and to a wonderful reception from all four sides of the stadium. Class from Palace.
Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal
17:33 , Jamie Braidwood
72 mins: Eberechi Eze is about to make his Crystal Palace return.
Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal
17:30 , Jamie Braidwood
68 mins: Ooh. West Ham are in front against Leeds. But they still need Tottenham to lose and Spurs are winning. Updates, here:
Tottenham v Everton LIVE: Premier League relegation latest scores and updates
Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal
17:24 , Jamie Braidwood
60 mins: Mikel Merino is back for Arsenal! He’s been out since January, but returns in time to potentially feature in the Champions League final. Max Dowman makes way.
And Palace will take no chances with Wharton. He is replaced and the Eagles will cross their fingers and pray he is ready for Wednesday.
Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal
17:20 , Jamie Braidwood
58 mins: Wharton is back on but is clearly hobbling... not a good sight for Palace.
Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal
17:18 , Jamie Braidwood
55 mins: This is a huge concern for Palace. Wharton has stayed down after being caught from behind by Lewis-Skelly, just four days before the Conference League final.
Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal
17:15 , Jamie Braidwood
53 mins: Strand Larsen attempts to hold off Mosquera and shoots off target, looking for the top right corner. Arsenal will want to claim another clean sheet, and a first in the Premier League in Arsenal colours for Kepa.
GOAL! Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal (MADUEKE 48')
17:10 , Jamie Braidwood
FINE FINISH! “ARSENAL, ARSENAL” Madueke chants at the away fans!
Was this a set-piece routine? I don’t think so, but it came from the corner. The knock-back at the back post fell to Madueke and his left-footed finish was low and beat Henderson, who had many bodies in front of him. A third of the season for Madueke in the Premier League, and a 25th set-piece goal in the top-flight for the Gunners.
"Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal!" 😅
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 24, 2026
Noni Madueke doubles the champions' lead and joins the fans' chant! pic.twitter.com/zBdUAS6mIW
Crystal Palace 0-1 Arsenal
17:09 , Jamie Braidwood
47 mins: Martinelli wins a corner to start the half, following a crunching but fair tackle from Lerma.
KICK-OFF! Crystal Palace 0-1 Arsenal
17:08 , Jamie Braidwood
BACK UNDERWAY! Here are the changes.
Palace: OFF, Kamada, Sarr, Munoz: ON, Wharton, Mitchell, Pino
Arsenal: OFF, Norgaard, Calafiori : ON, Gabriel, Havertz
Crystal Palace 0-1 Arsenal
17:06 , Jamie Braidwood
Changes for Arsenal at the break: Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes are coming on for the second half, with one eye on the Champions League final.
Crystal Palace are making a triple-change.
HALF TIME! Crystal Palace 0-1 Arsenal
16:52 , Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal lead at the break and as it stands are heading to a final victory in the sun before lifting the trophy. Jesus had all the chances for Arsenal, and he finally took one late in the half to convert and fire the Gunners ahead. At the other end, Kepa made a fine stop to deny Munoz.
GOAL! Crystal Palace 0-1 Arsenal (JESUS 42')
16:44 , Jamie Braidwood
SUPER GOAL FROM JESUS! He finds the finish this time and the party begins!
Dowman sparked it with a clever touch to Martinelli, who slipped in his fellow Brazilian. Jesus, having missed two big chances earlier, fires in the finish to beat Henderson, low and hard inside the near post.
Jesus celebrates with his trademark celebration, putting his hand to his ear in the shape of a phone. You never know, that could be a send-off goal for the Gunners for him.
"Gabriel Jesus has his party goal!" 🎙️
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 24, 2026
The champions are ahead at Selhurst Park! pic.twitter.com/8x1Oh9lMyn
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
16:43 , Jamie Braidwood
40 mins: The Crystal Palace fans are enjoying a good old sing-song at least, while Arsenal knock the ball around without too much urgency.
Madueke is dispossessed in the box as he looked for space for the shot. Dowman then went down rather softly looking for a penalty before Madueke’s shot was blocked.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
16:37 , Jamie Braidwood
35 mins: Goals are flying in around the Premier League now but not at Selhurst, or in the two relegation games.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
16:33 , Jamie Braidwood
30 mins: Oooh. Munoz clatters into Calafiori from behind trying to reach a cross into the box. The Italian grimaces as he gets back to his feet. He seems to be ok.
Eberechi Eze, meanwhile, has started to warm up and is warmly applauded by the Crystal Palace supporters. A Selhurst return could follow in the second half.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
16:28 , Jamie Braidwood
24 mins: Manchester City are leading Aston Villa. If Tuesday had gone differently, the pressure really would be on now.
But it’s not.
Instead, it’s time for a water break. Some Arsenal fans have found some Man City branded water bottles and are celebrating appropriately.
A drinks break at Selhurst park means the Arsenal fans have got their bottles out! 😅 pic.twitter.com/wuLV0s5232
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 24, 2026
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
16:24 , Jamie Braidwood
21 mins: Well we’ve had plenty of chances and open, end-to-end football so far. Classic end of season vibes. Dowman has enjoyed a few smart touches in pockets around the Palace box.
Jesus now heads wide from Madueke’s cross.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
16:19 , Jamie Braidwood
16 mins: SAVE! A fine stop from Kepa to deny Daniel Munoz! The full-back had found space in the box and evaded Calafiori. The No 2 goalkeeper made a leaping stop to his right to keep it out. From the corner, Strand Larsen and Lewis-Skelly fell to the ground in a heap.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
16:17 , Jamie Braidwood
15 mins: CHANCE! Arsenal could be out of sight! Palace are very open, in classic end-of-season style. This time Martinelli is released by the debutant Cardines makes an excellent recovery run to cut it out when Martinelli tried to make room for the shot in the box.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
16:16 , Jamie Braidwood
13 mins: So the post and now a wasted one-on-one for Jesus. Havertz and Gyokeres will not be fearing for their places for Budapest...
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
16:14 , Jamie Braidwood
11 mins: CHANCE! Now Jesus should score this one! He is slipped through with just Henderson to beat, but looks uncertain, stalls, and the goalkeeper easily saves his shot when the Brazilian went for the chip. He needed to be clinical there, but was wasteful!
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
16:11 , Jamie Braidwood
8 mins: It’s been a strong start for Arsenal. Lewis-Skelly is slightly late in the challenge on Strand Larsen. Injuries will be a concern for both teams, of course, with European finals to come.
The striker is fine to continue.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
16:07 , Jamie Braidwood
4 mins: OFF THE POST! Jesus should score! The captain for the day profits from a slip from Lerma and is suddenly through with just the keeper to beat. The Brazilian looks to guide a finish past Henderson, but it strikes the upright and Madueke’s follow-up is saved!
A big chance for Arsenal to kick off the party in style.
Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
16:04 , Jamie Braidwood
2 mins: Zubimendi has lined up at right back, with Mosquera and Norgaard at centre-back. An experimental team, but Zubimendi, Mosquera and Calafiiori would expect to be involved against PSG.
KICK OFF! Crystal Palace 0-0 Arsenal
16:02 , Jamie Braidwood
We’re underway. Oh you could not draw up better weather for a final day celebration.
Crystal Palace v Arsenal: Here comes the guard of honour
15:58 , Jamie Braidwood
Around this time last year Arsenal had to give Liverpool a guard of honour at Anfield.
This time, the Arsenal players walk out in between the applauding Crystal Palace players.
Noni Madueke claps hands with England team-mate Dean Henderson. Lots of respect on display.
Oliver Glasner waves to the Palace fans. This is his Selhurst Park farewell, of course, ahead of Wednesday’s Conference League final.
Arsenal and Tottenham's contrasting positions on the final day
15:52 , Jamie Braidwood
Could Arsenal lift the Premier League trophy on the same day Tottenham are relegated? Unbelievably, it’s a possibility. I wonder how many Arsenal fans will also have an eye on the other side of north London...
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the Arsenal match live on Sky Sports Premier League, Tottenham are on Sky Sports Main Event.
Scenes as Arsenal players greet fans before Crystal Palace clash
15:42 , Jamie Braidwood
The Arsenal players went over to the away fans at Selhurst Park and soaked in the rapturous reception they received before kick-off against Crystal Palace. Moments to savour.
Will Arsenal's title lead to release - and more freedom?
15:30 , Miguel Delaney, at Selhurst Park
Arsenal played almost every game on the edge. There has rarely been a run-in like it. In many ways, it is testament to their resolve.
Figures at the club argue this is also why Declan Rice should have won player of the year. He kept producing despite all the pressure and “never shied away”.
Now, having come through all of that, there is considerable hope it could lead to even more.
The weight lifted is enormous. A huge psychological burden from this long pursuit of the title has finally been removed. The players will not have to hear it any more.
Will it allow them to play with more freedom?
Mikel Arteta on his team selection, including handing Max Dowman his first PL start
15:22 , Jamie Braidwood
Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports that each player in his Arsenal squad has played their part this season, with that reflected in his much-changed line-up this afternoon. It includes a first Premier League start for the 16-year-old Max Dowman, who was sitting his GCSEs this week.
“We had a big talk at the start of the season about each individual roles and how this is going to change and how we're going to have to adapt and and be humble and be ready to to help and impact the team and I think we've been incredible at doing that,” Arteta said.
“In games as well, and Max, he needs to be there because he created a moment during this season that something changed as well and the people has contributed, I think deserves to be on that pitch.”
He adds: “We had a little battle trying to get that team right in formation shape.”
Tears of joy as Arsenal crowned Premier League champions
15:15 , Miguel Delaney, at Selhurst Park
In those long minutes before the final whistle at Bournemouth on Tuesday, some of Mikel Arteta’s players had to leave the room for a few moments to themselves. It was that tense. They were feeling every second of it.
When Manchester City’s 1-1 draw was finally confirmed, there was euphoria – but some in the room noticed something else in the reaction. It was pure release. There were guttural roars as players simply let everything out.
Staff members immediately burst into tears.
The feeling, when some reflected on it the next day, was that this meant far more than just the title or ending a 22-year wait – despite how significant those achievements obviously are.
It was also a release from scrutiny and criticism. An instinctive awareness that all the barracking they had faced was suddenly irrelevant. They were champions, not bottlers.
The Premier League trophy is in place
15:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal’s players will walk past the Premier League trophy when they receive their guard of honour at Selhurst Park. After several long years and a few near-misses, they will be 90 minutes away from touching it.
Crystal Palace team news: Eagles also make changes
14:55 , Jamie Braidwood
Crystal Palace have the Conference League final to come on Wednesday and have rested the likes of Adam Wharton, Maxence Lacroix and Yeremy Pino, although Dean Henderson, Daniel Munoz and Ismaila Sarr remain in the starting line-up. Oliver Glasner hands a Premier League debut to 19-year-old Rio Cardines.
Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Munoz, Clyne, Lerma, Riad, Cardines, Kamada, Hughes, Devenny, Sarr, Strand Larsen.
Subs: Benitez, Mitchell, Lacroix, Canvot, Wharton, Pino, Johnson, Mateta, Guessand
Arsenal team news: WHOLSESALE CHANGES from champions
14:51 , Jamie Braidwood
Where to begin with this Arsenal team! Mikel Arteta has rung the changes ahead of the Champions League final next week. Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes and Martin Odegaard are on the bench, there’s no David Raya or William Saliba in the squad. Kepa, Christian Norgaard and Max Dowman are among the changes to start, while Mikel Merino is on the bench. Crystal Palace have made changes too...
Arsenal XI: Kepa, Mosquera, Norgaard, Hincapie, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Dowman, Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli.
Subs: Setford, Gabriel, Saka, Odegaard, Eze, Gyokeres, Merino, Havertz, Rice.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal confirmed team news and line-ups
14:47 , Jamie Braidwood
Crystal Palace XI: Henderson; Munoz, Clyne, Lerma, Riad, Cardines; Kamada, Hughes, Devenny; Sarr, Strand Larsen
Arsenal XI: Kepa, Zubimendi, Mosquera, Hincapie, Calafiori, Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli
The Palace to face the Champions 👏
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 24, 2026
⚪️ 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🔴
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 24, 2026
Your Premier League champions.
🤝 @deel
Arsenal fans in a party mood
14:32 , Jamie Braidwood
The streets of north London are swarming with Arsenal shirts on Premier League title party day. The celebrations are well underway already. We’ll bring you the all-important team news from Selhurst Park in the next few minutes.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal predicted line-ups
14:20 , Jack Rathborn
Team news
Palace suffered heavy defensive casualties during their previous outing at Brentford with Maxence Lacroix, Chadi Riad and Chris Richards all suffering injuries, but only Richards appears to be ruled out for the visit of Arsenal out of the three. Borna Sosa is back in contention, while Cheikh Doucoure and former Gunners striker Eddie Nketiah remain absent.
Arteta is set to rest numerous big names in preparation for the trip to Budapest but Mikel Merino could be involved for the first time in months after returning to team training.
Predicted line-ups
Crystal Palace XI: Benitez; Canvot, Riad, Lacroix; Munoz, Lerma, Hughes, Sosa; Sarr, Johnson; Strand Larsen.
Arsenal XI: Kepa; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Norgaard, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli.
Bruno Fernandes beats Declan Rice to Premier League player of the season
14:10 , Jack Rathborn
Bruno Fernandes has pipped title-winner Declan Rice to the Premier League player of the season award after a sensational individual campaign.
The Manchester United talisman has produced a season for the books, equalling the assist record of 20 that was first set by Arsenal great Thierry Henry in 2002/03 before Kevin De Bruyne notched the tally for Manchester City in 2019/20.
The Portuguese international could yet take the record for himself on the final day as United travel to Brighton, with third place in the table already secured.
Fernandes’ main competition for the award was Arsenal midfielder Rice, who has been integral to the Gunners ending their 22-year wait for a Premier League title.
Bruno Fernandes beats Declan Rice to Premier League player of the season
Arsenal quartet make England's World Cup squad
14:00 , Jack Rathborn
Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke were all called up by Thomas Tuchel for England’s 2026 World Cup squad, though Myles Lewis-Skelly misses out.
Ethan Nwaneri will also be part of the group in Florida for the friendlies, helping with training matches due to the Gunners quartet’s time off between the Champions League final and joining up with the Three Lions.
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City).
Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa).
Attackers: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
Mikel Arteta lauds Arsenal fans after 'emotional explosion' following title win
13:50 , Jack Rathborn
"I think what they [supporters] have created around the club and the team is incredible to witness,” Arteta said on the bond between the team and the supporters. “That chemistry, that connection, that passion, it’s something beautiful. I mean, the trophy is great, but that is, in my opinion, something even bigger.
"We all are responsible, and I really want to make that clear, there’s been so many people in this journey throughout the years, not only since I’ve been here, but as well obviously everything that Arsene [Wenger] built, even though we didn’t achieve the Premier League.
"It was an explosion, an emotional explosion, because everybody’s been just, you know, keeping emotions, and lifting those emotions, but not being able to really express them. So when we opened that bottle, I think everybody had so much to release and it’s been incredible to witness."
Mikel Arteta on Arsenal fans celebrating title
13:41 , Jack Rathborn
"It’s one of the best feelings I've ever had," Mikel Arteta says ahead of today’s match against Crystal Palace.
"I was supposed to be here, at Sobha, watching the game with the boys and the staff, because that’s what they wanted, but I couldn’t. I think 20 minutes later, before the game, I had to leave.
"I couldn’t bring the energy that I wanted and I think it was the moment as well to watch it together, to be themselves and just see what the outcome would be. I went home, I went outside to the garden, I started to build a fire, and I started to do some barbecue. I didn’t watch any of it.
"I was just hearing some noises in the background, in the living room and suddenly the magic happened. My oldest son opened the garden door, he started to run towards me, he started to cry, he gave me a hug and said: 'We are champions, daddy.'
"Then my other two boys and my wife came over and it was beautiful. Just to see that joy on them as well, that they are always with me, it was magical. A minute later, Martin [Odegaard] called me on video."
Vieira lauds Odegaard after joining him as title-winning captain for Gunners
13:33 , Jack Rathborn
“I think you have a different profile of captain. You had a profile of Tony Adams who was quite really vocal. Me, I was a bit the opposite. I was more leading by example on the field, by putting my head where the people would put their feet.
“Then you have Martin Odegaard who is more a technical leader of the team on the field, and I think he fulfilled his role really well in not being scared to get the ball on his feet and [dictate] the tempo of the game.
“So that’s three captains and three different profiles of a captain and I think we all did it quite well.
“When you are the captain and you're leading the team, of course it is a proud moment.
“But when I look at the pictures again it's not just about lifting the trophies, it's the joy that all the players [feel] behind it. A group of players who have been up and down and managed to win that title - the pride of leading a group of players who achieved something quite special.”
How Lewis Hamilton is seeking to evoke Arsenal’s success with Ferrari in Canada
13:25 , Jack Rathborn
For all the celebratory messages of jubilation emanating from the never-ending group of high-profile Arsenal supporters this week – from Sir Keir Starmer and Hugh Lawrie to Piers Morgan and Jess Glynne – Lewis Hamilton’s repost on Instagram was altogether more understated. “COYG,” the 41-year-old said, the common abbreviation for “Come on you Gunners.”
How Lewis Hamilton is seeking to evoke Arsenal’s success with Ferrari in Canada
Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri added to England pre-World Cup training camp
13:17 , Jack Rathborn
Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri will join three other England talents for Thomas Tuchel’s pre-World Cup training camp in Florida.
Tuchel has drafted in the 19-year-old, who has spent the second half of the season on loan at Ligue 1 Marseille, alongside Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Fulham’s Josh King and Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha, to play their part in getting the team prepared in Miami.
Scott, King and Ngumoha’s participation was confirmed on Friday as the German announced his 26-man squad for the finals, and Nwaneri was added to the party on Saturday.
Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri added to England pre-World Cup training camp
Keir Starmer urges TNT Sports to make Champions League final free to watch
13:08 , Jack Rathborn
UK prime minister Keir Starmer has written to TNT Sports, urging the broadcaster to make the upcoming Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain free to watch.
TNT (owned by Warner Bros Discovery) hold broadcast rights for the Champions League in the UK and have made the final available to stream for free in previous years. However, earlier this month it caused outrage by confirming that viewers will only be able to watch the clash at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on Saturday 30 May on either its own platform or HBO Max, both requiring a subscription.
The broadcaster said subscriptions to HBO Max were available from £4.99, calling it “exceptional value”.
Keir Starmer urges TNT Sports to make Champions League final free to watch
How Mikel Arteta banished the banter era to bring glory back to Arsenal
13:00 , Jack Rathborn
After a few minutes of hugging and celebrating at London Colney on Tuesday, when Arsenal had finally been confirmed as champions again, the players just let go. There had already been a few guttural roars from the pure relief of winning. They then all jumped into the swimming pool.
Bukayo Saka of course had an inflatable, if not this time a unicorn. Some older staff members were chuckling that this was rather different to how the Premier League-winning squad of 1998 to 2004 celebrated. The point, however, was that they were actually celebrating again.
The players did end up going to a club in central London. They’ve very much come of age in other ways, but so has the manager.
How Mikel Arteta banished the banter era to bring glory back to Arsenal
Arsenal train before Premier League final day
12:50 , Jack Rathborn
Celebrity Arsenal supporters including Piers Morgan, Sir Lewis Hamilton and Hugh Laurie celebrate title win
12:47 , Jack Rathborn
Sir David Beckham found himself on the receiving end of some good-natured teasing from his son Romeo following Arsenal’s Premier League triumph, ending the club’s 22-year wait for the title.
Romeo, a vocal Arsenal supporter, had eagerly anticipated the victory. Ahead of the decisive match between Manchester City and Bournemouth, he posted a selfie on his Instagram stories with the caption "Come on boys win us the title".
Following the win, he shared a close-up of his hand over his face, exclaiming: "Oh my god we’ve done it. I love you Arsenal," with multiple heart emojis.
Celebrity Arsenal supporters including Piers Morgan and Sir Lewis Hamilton
Arsenal poised for guard of honour and Premier League trophy lift at Crystal Palace
12:13 , Jack Rathborn
Arsenal are due to lift the Premier League trophy at Crystal Palace in their final Premier League game of the season.
The Independent will bring you updates from Selhurst Park, where Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney will witness the trophy lift, as well as a probable guard of honour from the Eagles as they welcome Mikel Arteta’s side.
Next week’s Champions League final, not to mention the World Cup, will be on the minds of Arsenal players now, but first one final game and one last headache for Arteta to rotate his squad and ensure just the right amount of rest to bring momentum into next week’s crunch match with Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest.
Follow for all the latest updates and then reaction after the final whistle as the Gunners lift the trophy.
Inside Arsenal’s emotional title celebrations – and Mikel Arteta’s plans to ‘unlock’ a new era
20:30 , Miguel Delaney
Arsenal’s Premier League triumph has lifted years of pressure and scrutiny from Arteta’s squad, with the club now turning its focus to the Champions League final and ambitious summer transfer plans, as Miguel Delaney details in his latest Inside Football newsletter
Inside Arsenal’s title triumph – and Arteta’s plans to ‘unlock’ more
