For the first time in over two decades, Arsenal are champions of England again, and the emotion was written all over Robert Pirès's face. The former winger, a key member of the legendary 'Invincibles' side of 2003-04, could barely contain his joy as he joined a live broadcast on Canal+ just moments after Manchester City's draw confirmed the Gunners' long-awaited Premier League triumph. His immediate reaction—blowing kisses to the camera and thanking the club—captured the relief and vindication felt by everyone connected to the north London outfit.
Pirès, speaking in French, was effusive in his praise for a team that has endured years of near-misses and mocking from rivals. 'I am very happy and very moved,' he said. 'This is a club that deserved to be champion long before now. They have finished second three times, and three times they were attacked for it.' The raw honesty of his words underlined the mental toll of repeatedly falling short, as Arsenal's young squad under Mikel Arteta matured into a relentless winning machine.
The criticism Arsenal faced was relentless. After each failed title push, the narrative shifted to accusations of bottling, weakness, and a lack of killer instinct. Pirès put it bluntly: 'For three years they have been treated as losers or a team that doesn't play well this year. But now, they are champions, and that really makes me happy.' That defiance echoed through the fanbase, which had watched its team rebuild from the ashes of the late Wenger era to become the Premier League's most consistent side this season.
Arsenal's 22-year wait for a league title is a story of dramatic decline and painstaking resurrection. When Pirès and his teammates went unbeaten in 2004, it seemed the start of a dynasty. Instead, financial constraints from the Emirates Stadium move and the rise of oil-rich competitors eroded Arsenal's standing. Arsène Wenger's departure in 2018 marked the end of an era, and the club faced an identity crisis. Arteta's appointment in 2019 was a gamble on an untested manager, but his vision of a high-energy, possession-based system has now delivered the ultimate prize.
The three second-place finishes Pirès referenced were agonizing for everyone at the club. The first, in 2022-23, saw Arsenal lead the table for much of the season before a late collapse handed the title to Manchester City. The following year, they took the race to the final day but again came up just short. Each time, the online mockery and media scrutiny intensified, with pundits questioning whether this group had the mentality to get over the line. This season, however, Arsenal turned the tables, displaying a steeliness that silenced the doubters.
Pirès also had kind words for Arteta, who faced his own barrage of criticism during the lean early years of his tenure. 'I know it hasn't been easy for him this season because people have launched missiles at him,' the Frenchman noted, using a metaphor for the harsh critiques directed at the manager. Arteta's unwavering belief in his tactical principles and his players finally paid off, as Arsenal blended defensive solidity with attacking flair to dominate the league from start to finish.
The decisive moment arrived on a Tuesday night, as Manchester City's unexpected draw ended any remaining suspense. Arsenal's title was sealed without them even kicking a ball, a scenario that felt almost anticlimactic given the drama of previous seasons. For Pirès, it was a moment of pure catharsis. He spoke of his deep connection to the club, calling Arsenal 'a great club, a family' and remembering the influence of Wenger and his former teammates in helping him develop his best football.
That familial bond is a recurring theme among ex-players who experienced the unique culture Wenger cultivated. Pirès's name is etched into Arsenal folklore not just for his goals and assists, but for the elegance he brought to Highbury and the Emirates. Seeing the present generation finally lift the trophy he and his cohorts made a habit of winning brings a sense of continuity, bridging the club's glorious past with its promising present.
The implications for the Premier League are significant. Arsenal's triumph breaks Manchester City's stranglehold and signals a power shift that could define the next decade. With a young core including Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and William Saliba, the Gunners are built for sustained success. The title also validates the patient approach of the Kroenke ownership, which backed Arteta through the difficult times when many called for his head.
Fan celebrations outside the Emirates Stadium and across London reflected the scale of the achievement. For a generation of supporters who had only known disappointment since the invincible campaign, this is more than a trophy—it is a restoration of identity. The scenes of joy contrasted sharply with the despair of recent near-misses, and Pirès's emotional outpouring gave voice to that collective relief.
Looking forward, the challenge for Arsenal is to avoid the complacency that often follows a breakthrough title. Arteta has instilled a hunger that suggests this is just the beginning, but the Premier League's competitive landscape guarantees no easy defenses. The summer transfer window will be crucial, as will keeping hold of their star talents. If they can add depth and maintain their intensity, a dynasty may well be in the making.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.