Saka Fires Back At Arsenal Critics After Historic Premier League Triumph

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka says critics who mocked Arsenal’s title ambitions are “not laughing anymore” after the Gunners secured their first Premier League crown in 22 years.

Arsenal were officially confirmed champions on Tuesday after defending champions Manchester City F.C. were held to a 1-1 draw away to AFC Bournemouth, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side with an unassailable lead at the top of the table with one match remaining.

The historic triumph sparked emotional celebrations among players, coaching staff and supporters, with thousands of fans gathering outside the Emirates Stadium in north London to celebrate the club’s first league title since 2004.

Speaking during celebrations at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground, Saka appeared to respond to critics who had accused the club of lacking the mentality to win the title after previous near misses.

“For 22 years there was laughing, there was joking — they’re not laughing anymore,” the England international declared in footage shared on social media by teammate Jurrien Timber.

Arsenal had finished runners-up in each of the previous three Premier League seasons, leading to accusations that the club repeatedly “bottled” crucial moments in the title race.

Those criticisms intensified following Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in April, a result many believed had handed the initiative back to Pep Guardiola’s side.

However, Arsenal responded in emphatic fashion by winning their next four league matches without conceding a goal, while City dropped valuable points against Everton and Bournemouth.

Young defender Myles Lewis-Skelly also aimed a playful dig at critics during the celebrations.

“They called us bottlers — and now we’re holding the bottle,” he joked while clutching a champagne bottle in a video shared by Saka on Instagram.

The title triumph marks a remarkable achievement for manager Mikel Arteta, who returned to Arsenal in 2019 when the club was struggling domestically and in Europe.

Arteta has now joined an elite group of individuals to win the English top-flight title both as a player and manager.

Former Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger, who guided the club’s famous “Invincibles” side to the 2004 title, congratulated the current squad in a video message.

“You did it. Champions go on when others stop. This is your time,” Wenger said.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also paid tribute to Arteta and Arsenal for their consistency throughout the campaign.

Arsenal will officially lift the Premier League trophy after their final league match against Crystal Palace F.C. on Sunday.

The Gunners could still complete a historic double if they defeat Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in the upcoming UEFA Champions League Final in Budapest.