Bukayo Saka said Arsenal's critics are no longer laughing at the club after the team secured the Premier League title on May 20, 2026 [3].
The victory ends a 22-year drought for the North London club, marking their first league title since 2004 [1]. It serves as a definitive response to long-standing accusations that the team lacked the mental fortitude to win championships.
Arsenal's title was guaranteed after Manchester City played to a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on May 19, 2026 [1]. The result shifted the trophy to Arsenal, sparking celebrations across the organization.
Players and staff gathered at the London Colney training base to watch the decisive match [1]. Later, the squad held celebrations at the Emirates Stadium at 5 a.m. [2].
During the festivities, Saka addressed the narrative surrounding the club's previous failures. "They’re not laughing at us any more," Saka said [1].
The sentiment was shared by other members of the squad. Myles Lewis-Skelly was recorded shouting "Bottlers!" in a video, referencing the derogatory term critics often used to describe Arsenal's tendency to collapse in high-pressure situations [2].
The achievement marks a significant shift in the balance of power in English football. For over two decades, the club had struggled to reclaim the summit of the domestic game, often finishing as runners-up or falling short in the final weeks of the season.
“"They’re not laughing at us any more."”
Arsenal's title win breaks a multi-decade cycle of near-misses and critical scrutiny. By securing the trophy via a Manchester City draw, the club has not only ended its 22-year wait but has also dismantled the 'bottler' narrative that had defined the team's public perception for years.
