Bukayo Saka said critics can no longer mock Arsenal after the club secured the Premier League title in May 2024 [1].
The victory marks a significant psychological shift for the North London side, transitioning from a target of social media banter to the dominant force in English football.
Speaking during post-match celebrations at Emirates Stadium and in a subsequent interview with Prime Video, Saka addressed the criticism the squad faced throughout the season [1, 4]. He highlighted the mental toughness required to overcome a reputation for fragility, noting that the team had been labeled as "cry babies" before their success [2].
Saka said the perception of the club has changed fundamentally following the trophy win. "They're not laughing at Arsenal now," Saka said [1].
The title win ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League trophy [1, 3]. For a generation of players and fans, this victory represents the culmination of a long period of rebuilding and resilience against persistent skepticism from rivals and pundits.
Saka said those who had spent the season mocking the team's perceived weaknesses have now gone silent. "Critics are in hiding mode," Saka said [2].
He said the journey from being underestimated to becoming champions was a defining experience for the current squad [2]. The winger's comments reflect a broader sentiment within the club regarding the validation of their tactical approach and mental growth over recent seasons.
“"They're not laughing at Arsenal now."”
Arsenal's title victory ends more than two decades of frustration and signals a power shift in the Premier League. By explicitly addressing the 'banter' and labels of fragility, Saka is framing the win not just as a sporting achievement, but as a psychological victory over a narrative of failure that had followed the club since its last title in 2004.
