Arsenal End 22-Year Title Drought With 2-1 Win Over Crystal Palace as Madueke and Jesus Shine on Final Day

Arsenal brought down the curtain on a historic Premier League season with a composed 2-1 win at Crystal Palace‘s Selhurst Park on May 24, 2026, finishing on 85 points and confirming their status as England’s top-flight champions for the first time in 22 years.

Having already secured the title earlier in the week, Mikel Arteta’s squad arrived at Selhurst Park with the pressure of the campaign behind them. The relaxed atmosphere was visible in their play, and it was Gabriel Jesus who gave the visitors the lead just before half-time, converting from close range after a sharp run and delivery from Gabriel Martinelli.

The Gunners wasted little time extending their advantage after the interval. Noni Madueke, the Nigeria-eligible winger who has been a key contributor in Arsenal’s title run-in, pounced on a loose ball from a corner kick and drove a low finish past Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. The goal sent the travelling Arsenal supporters into celebration and effectively ended the contest.

Crystal Palace, who are preparing for a UEFA Conference League final, reduced the deficit late in the match through striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. The consolation, however, did little to alter the mood at Selhurst Park, where the away end remained in full festive mode throughout the final whistle.

The result confirmed Arsenal’s final points tally of 85 for the 2025-26 Premier League season, with the squad set to lift the trophy following the conclusion of the day’s fixtures. The title ends a 22-year wait for Arsenal, whose last league triumph came under Arsène Wenger in the 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ season, when the club went the entire campaign unbeaten.

Madueke’s goal added another notable chapter to his season, with the winger having established himself as a reliable attacking option under Arteta. His contribution on the final day drew widespread attention, particularly given his Nigerian heritage and the interest his performances generate across African football audiences.

Elsewhere on the final day of the Premier League season, results across the division also had implications for European qualification and relegation. Crystal Palace, despite the defeat, will now turn their full focus toward their upcoming Conference League final, which represents a significant cup opportunity for Oliver Glasner’s side.

Arsenal’s 85-point haul will be subject to further context once the full final-day results are confirmed, but the Gunners’ title triumph represents one of the more significant moments in recent Premier League history, ending over two decades of near-misses and rebuilding phases at the Emirates Stadium.