For 22 long years, Arsenal fans endured mockery, banter, and accusations of being bottle jobs. Defending the club became a matter of pride, even when doubt crept in. But on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, all that pain turned to joy as Arsenal secured the Premier League title, their first in over two decades.
MyLondon reporter Ayokunle Oluwalana was among the jubilant fans. He recalls watching Bournemouth draw with Manchester City in a pub in Homerton. When the final whistle blew, pure jubilation erupted. For him, the last title came when he was just nine years old, during the Invincibles season of 2003-04. Back then, success seemed guaranteed, with legends like Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, and Arsene Wenger at the helm. But the following 22 years brought humiliating defeats, a few FA Cup wins, and endless teasing from friends.
Determined to be part of history, Oluwalana rushed to the train station at 10pm, heading to Highbury and Islington. The journey was electric. At every stop, more Arsenal fans boarded, filling the carriages with chants. Passengers looked on in shock and admiration. Exiting the station, a crescendo of noise and a sea of red greeted him. Cars honked, chants of 'Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal' rang out, and crowds streamed down Holloway Road. For Tottenham fans, it must have looked like a horror movie.
Arriving at the Emirates, the scene was breathtaking. Thousands of fans from all walks of life celebrated together. People leaned out of flat windows, accepting they wouldn't sleep early. Fans climbed lampposts and merchandise stands, kicked footballs into the air, and banged drums with pent-up frustration. Flares and fireworks lit up the night. Oluwalana hugged strangers, started chants, and sang about the team that has defined his weekends for his entire life. The atmosphere released 22 years of hurt.
This win also cements Arsenal's status as London's club, he argues. The impromptu celebration attracted figures like Ian Wright and Jeremy Corbyn, who popped bottles with fans of all races and ages. For those who have supported Arsenal since the 2010s, the journey has been tiresome—ups and downs, beloved players leaving, and near misses. But Mikel Arteta deserves credit for restoring the club's identity, and academy graduates like Myles-Lewis Skelly and Bukayo Saka shone.
Now, Arsenal also have the Champions League final to look forward to. Win or lose, they are Premier League champions. As Oluwalana puts it: 'Always the bridesmaid, never the bride'—until May 19th, when they finally got their ring.
Arsenal Trophy Parade Plans
The parade is scheduled for May 31, a day after the Champions League final. If Arsenal win the Champions League for the first time at the Puskas Arena, they will celebrate with both trophies on an open-top bus parade upon returning from Hungary. If not, the parade will still go ahead with the Premier League trophy. Fans attending will need to find a way back to London quickly. The start time and route have not been confirmed, but previous plans began at the Emirates, traveling along Drayton Park, Aubert Park, Highbury Grove, St Paul's Road, Upper Street, and back to the stadium.
