Bukayo Saka has declared that Arsenal’s critics were “not laughing at us anymore” as the club celebrated winning their first Premier League title in over two decades.
The England international made the comments during jubilant celebrations after the Gunners were confirmed as champions following Manchester City’s 1–1 draw away to Bournemouth, a result that handed Arsenal an unassailable four-point lead at the top of the table with one game remaining.
Arsenal players and staff gathered at the club’s London Colney training ground on Tuesday to watch City’s result together, with celebrations erupting once the final whistle confirmed the title. At the same time, thousands of supporters gathered at the Emirates Stadium, lighting fireworks and flares in celebration of the club’s long-awaited league triumph.
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The victory marks Arsenal’s first Premier League title since the famous “Invincibles” season of 2003/04 and comes after three consecutive seasons of finishing as runners-up. The club had also faced heavy criticism this season, with some pundits accusing them of “bottling” the title race following their 2–1 defeat to Manchester City in April.
However, Arsenal responded strongly, going on to win their next four league matches without conceding a goal, while City dropped points in successive fixtures to surrender their advantage.
Speaking in footage shared by teammate Jurrien Timber on Instagram, Saka reflected on the criticism the team had endured.
“Light that up. Let me tell you something. Twenty-two years, 22 years. There was laughing, there was joking, they’re not laughing anymore,” Saka said, referring to a symbolic blacked-out Premier League trophy installed at the club’s London Colney training base. “Look, it is going to be shining, it is going to be shining bright.”
Young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly also joined in the celebrations, posting a champagne-filled video in which he appeared to respond directly to critics who had labelled the team as underperformers.
“They called us bottlers. And now we’re holding the bottle,” he said.
Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, who guided the club to three Premier League titles including the unbeaten 2003/04 campaign, also sent a congratulatory message.
“You did it. Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment,” Wenger said in a club tribute.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also offered praise, congratulating Mikel Arteta and his squad on their achievement and acknowledging their consistency throughout the season.
“They deserve it, for so much hard work and effort,” Guardiola said.
Arsenal will officially lift the Premier League trophy after their final match of the season against Crystal Palace on Sunday. The club could still end the campaign with a historic double, as they prepare for the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on May 30.