Declan Rice celebrated Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years with an Instagram post referencing his “it’s not done” message after the club’s 2-1 loss to Manchester City last month. Arsenal’s title was confirmed after City drew 1-1 at Bournemouth, le
Declan Rice didn’t wait for the Premier League trophy to be lifted before pointing back to a moment that felt like it could have gone the other way.
On Tuesday night, Arsenal clinched their first top-flight title in 22 years after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw away at Champions League-chasing Bournemouth. With one game left, City’s result left the gap at an unassailable four points.
Rice marked the victory on Instagram by referencing the infamous three-word message he had issued last month after Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad. Cameras from that match caught the midfielder stressing to Martin Odegaard on the pitch that “it’s not done” after full-time. when many believed Pep Guardiola’s side had taken control of the title race.
When Arsenal were ultimately proved right. the 27-year-old posted a selfie with members of the squad as they celebrated becoming champions of England. In the photo. Rice is seen with Kai Havertz. Myles Lewis-Skelly. Eberechi Eze. William Saliba. and Bukayo Saka. and the caption reads: “I told you all.. it’s done”.
A day that began with Arsenal checking the scoreline turned into a training-ground party for the players themselves. Jurrien Timber also shared behind-the-scenes moments from the celebrations on Instagram. with his schedule carrying an extra edge because he is in a race to be fit for the Champions League final at the end of the month.
At London Colney, the Arsenal squad gathered to watch City’s clash with Bournemouth, hoping to be crowned champions. While the Gunners had kept their plans quiet, footage later surfaced showing the squad erupting into celebrations once their triumph was confirmed.
Outside the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal fans arrived in their thousands to toast a long-awaited success. Ian Wright, the club’s legendary forward, was among those at the centre of the celebrations.
The celebrations won’t stop at the trophy. Next week Arsenal travel to Budapest for the Champions League final. looking to stop Paris Saint-Germain winning their second European Cup in succession. Closer to home. Arsenal will pick up the Premier League trophy after Sunday’s final game away at Crystal Palace. with tickets already described as “gold dust” for their most loyal supporters.
For years. Arsenal’s title push has been met with mockery over their “second again” tag. living in the shadow of being Premier League bridesmaids. That era will end now. though the weight of history makes the moment feel sharper: Arsenal’s last Premier League title came in 2004. when Thierry Henry and his team went unbeaten through the entire 38-game season. And for Mikel Arteta. the turnaround is measured in trophies too—this is Arsenal’s first major success since the FA Cup won in his first season in charge in 2020.
Arsenal Declan Rice Premier League title Manchester City Bournemouth Martin Odegaard Instagram Jurrien Timber Champions League final Crystal Palace Mikel Arteta