Eli Junior Kroupi wrote his name into north London legend as his first-half goal for Bournemouth against Manchester City handed Arsenal their first Premier League title in 22 years. Despite a late equaliser from Erling Haaland, City could not find a winner, ending Pep Guardiola's decade of dominance in anticlimax.
Match Report
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola received a post-match send-off from a grateful club after three seasons of progressive, exciting football, capped by qualifying for Europe for the first time. "What a night," he said. "We played so well." A point was enough for Bournemouth to secure Europa League football, as their opponents cracked under pressure.
Guardiola was sporting in congratulating Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. "On behalf of everyone at Manchester City, we congratulate Mikel and all the staff, players and fans on winning the Premier League," he said. "They deserve it." The defeat confirmed Arsenal's first league title since 2004.
Key Moments
- Kroupi scored a brilliant strike in the first half, laid up by Adrien Truffert's sizzling overlap.
- Erling Haaland equalised in stoppage time, but it was too late for City to find a winner.
- Bournemouth's Tyler Adams and Alex Scott were outstanding in midfield, controlling City's transitions.
Guardiola's team were below their best, short on penetration. Semenyo had a goal ruled offside, and Evanilson missed an open net. Haaland struggled for touch, forced to drop deep. Guardiola introduced Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden and Savinho in the second half, but Bournemouth preserved an unbeaten record that stretches longer than any club in Europe's top five leagues.
Guardiola's Departure
Guardiola later told his players he is leaving City, with Enzo Maresca lined up as his replacement. "Pep stay" read one placard among away fans who begged for "one more year." Guardiola's bequest to City is healthy, with a considerable rebuild since November 2024, including players like Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico O'Reilly, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Antoine Semenyo.
"The players have given everything all season in difficult circumstances," said Guardiola, explaining his strategy of fielding multiple midfielders to control Bournemouth's transitions. His final season ends with two domestic cups, a disappointment by his standards.
