LONDON — Arsenal ended their season with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Everton on Sunday, but it wasn’t enough to end their 20-year wait for a Premier League title. Kai Havertz’s 89th-minute goal ensured a positive end to the campaign, but Manchester City’s concurrent 3-1 win against West Ham secured their fourth consecutive league title.
Despite Arsenal’s late triumph, any hopes of clinching their first league title since the 2003-04 “Invincibles” season faded early. The Gunners needed to beat Everton and hope for a slip-up from City. However, the atmosphere at Emirates Stadium quickly shifted when City took a 2-0 lead within 18 minutes, while Everton’s Idrissa Gueye put the visitors ahead with a deflected free kick in the 40th minute.
Arsenal responded swiftly, with Takehiro Tomiyasu equalizing shortly after. Meanwhile, West Ham briefly revived Arsenal’s hopes by pulling a goal back before halftime. However, by the time Havertz’s close-range strike put Arsenal ahead, City had already restored their two-goal cushion, ensuring there would be no last-minute title drama.
“We’re all a little bit disappointed at the moment,” Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard said in an on-pitch interview. “We were closer than last year. But now we have to use the break to come back even stronger, even more hungry.”
This season marks the second consecutive year Arsenal has finished as runners-up to City. Despite the disappointment, there are signs of progress. Last year, Arsenal led the standings for much of the season before a late collapse left them five points behind City. This year, they narrowed the gap to just two points, taking the title race to the final day.
Arsenal finished the season with 89 points, their second-highest total in Premier League history, just one point shy of the “Invincibles.” They also set club records for most wins (28) and goals scored (91) in a Premier League season.
“We’ve changed the club. I think you all believe in us now,” Odegaard told the fans. “And to be honest, I can’t wait to come back after the break.”
While the title eluded them once again, Arsenal’s performance this season has rekindled optimism and belief among the supporters, setting the stage for a renewed challenge next season.
