It’s a day Arsenal fans have been dreaming of for more than two decades. On Sunday, May 24, 2026, the Gunners will finally get their hands on the Premier League trophy again, ending a 22-year drought, as they close out the 2025-26 season against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The anticipation has been building since Tuesday, May 21, when Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth mathematically ensured Arsenal’s status as champions, even before their final match kicked off.
For supporters, the significance of this occasion cannot be overstated. Arsenal’s last Premier League triumph came in the 2003-04 season, the legendary Invincibles campaign. Since then, the club has endured near misses, managerial changes, and fierce competition, but under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, they have finally returned to the summit of English football. The celebrations are set to be as memorable as the journey itself, with the trophy presentation expected around 6pm BST, just after the final whistle.
While the match itself may be considered a dead rubber for both sides, there’s no shortage of storylines. Arsenal’s attention is already shifting toward an even bigger prize: the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, scheduled for just a week after the league campaign wraps up. With such high stakes on the horizon, Arteta is expected to rotate his squad, resting several key players to keep them fresh for their European showdown.
Crystal Palace, too, have their eyes on continental glory, as manager Oliver Glasner prepares his team for a Conference League final on Wednesday. Like his Arsenal counterpart, Glasner is likely to shuffle his lineup, prioritizing player fitness and readiness for their own historic night in Europe. As a result, both teams’ starting XIs reflect a blend of youth, fringe players, and a few experienced heads, ensuring a unique flavor to this season finale.
The confirmed line-ups for the match highlight this approach. Crystal Palace will take the field with Henderson in goal, supported by Munoz, Clyne, Lerma, Riad, and Cardines at the back. The midfield features Kamada, Hughes, and Devenny, while Sarr and Strand Larsen lead the attack. On the bench, Glasner has options like Mateta, Mitchell, and Pino should he wish to inject more experience or attacking flair.
For Arsenal, Kepa starts between the posts, with a defensive line of Mosquera, Norgaard, Hincapie, and Calafiori. In midfield, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, and Dowman are tasked with controlling the tempo, while the attacking trio of Madueke, Jesus, and Martinelli look to provide the spark up front. Big names such as Saka, Odegaard, Havertz, and Rice are among the substitutes, underscoring Arteta’s intent to keep his stars in reserve ahead of the Champions League final.
Despite the low stakes on the pitch, the atmosphere promises to be electric. Crystal Palace will honor their opponents with a guard of honour—a tradition reserved for newly crowned champions—before the first whistle. For Arsenal fans packing the away end and millions more watching around the world, the real highlight will come after the final whistle, when their heroes finally lift the coveted trophy.
Coverage of this historic day is extensive. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports Premier League will broadcast the match live, with coverage beginning at 2pm BST. Fans can also stream the action via Sky Go and NOW. For those unable to make it to Selhurst Park or tune in via television, Arsenal.com and The Arsenal app are offering a special celebratory show, kicking off at 2pm. Hosted by Nicole Holliday and Joseph Charm, the program will feature fan reactions, live reports from the ground, and all the build-up to the main event. As always, Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke will provide their trademark live commentary, ensuring that no moment is missed.
The global reach of the Premier League means that fans from every corner of the world can join in the festivities. In the USA, the match will be shown live on CNBC, while a comprehensive list of international broadcasters—from ESPN Caribbean in the West Indies to DAZN in Canada and beIN Sports in the Middle East—ensures that Arsenal’s triumph will be celebrated worldwide. The club has encouraged supporters everywhere to share in the moment, whether at home, in pubs, or at official watch parties.
On the broader Premier League stage, the final day brings its own drama. While the title is already decided, there’s plenty at stake elsewhere. Tottenham Hotspur face the unthinkable prospect of relegation for the first time in their storied history, while European qualification spots are still up for grabs. Manchester City, meanwhile, are set for an emotional farewell as manager Pep Guardiola takes charge of his last game at the helm. The league’s tradition of simultaneous kick-offs on the final day adds to the tension and unpredictability, with every team playing their part in the season’s closing act.
For Arsenal, however, the focus is firmly on celebration. The club’s official channels have been awash with tributes, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content all week. "We’ll be lifting the Premier League title when we take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, May 24 at 4pm (UK time)," Arsenal.com announced, inviting fans to join the build-up and share in the excitement. The sense of unity between players, staff, and supporters has been palpable, with memories of past glories mingling with the promise of a bright future under Arteta’s leadership.
Of course, there’s still a match to be played, and both managers will be keen to avoid injuries or unnecessary risks. As SportsLine expert Jon Eimer noted, "Arsenal have already won the league and won’t risk a single injury with their Champions League final still on the horizon. Crystal Palace also have no need to risk injuries in this game with a Europa Conference Final early next week. Expect both teams to rotate, sit back and just play a risk-free match with neither side wanting to do anything to hurt their chances in their respective upcoming finals."
With both sides likely to play it safe, the contest on the pitch may not match the intensity of a title decider, but that won’t dampen the spirits of those in attendance. For Arsenal, this is a day for reflection, gratitude, and unbridled joy—a chance to salute the players and staff who have brought the club back to the pinnacle of English football. The trophy lift, set against a backdrop of red and white, will be a moment to savor for generations of Gunners faithful.
As the sun sets on the 2025-26 Premier League season, all eyes will be on Selhurst Park. Arsenal’s long wait is over, and a new chapter begins—not just with silverware, but with renewed hope for even greater achievements on the domestic and European stage. The celebrations, both in south London and around the world, are only just beginning.