Arsenal’s Premier League title win was confirmed after a result that, on the surface, had nothing to do with them.
Bournemouth’s draw proved decisive.
That is where Andoni Iraola comes in.
The Bournemouth manager has now revealed what happened after that moment, including a call from Mikel Arteta that adds context to how the title was secured.
What Andoni Iraola revealed about Mikel Arteta call
Iraola confirmed that Arteta contacted him the following day.
The timing matters.
The result against Manchester City played a direct role in confirming Arsenal as champions, making it one of the most important fixtures in the title race outside of Arsenal’s own matches.
Speaking about the moment, Iraola explained that Arteta was “very happy” and that they spoke about the significance of the game.
“Yes, yes, yes. He called me next day. I think, obviously, he was very happy. I was also very happy to kind of contribute a little bit you know.”
He also revealed a specific detail.
After Bournemouth’s earlier win at the Emirates, Iraola spoke with Kepa Arrizabalaga. In that conversation, he told him “okay, we can still give you back three points.”
That is exactly what happened.
Bournemouth’s result did not just benefit their own European ambitions. It directly impacted Arsenal’s title push.
Andoni Iraola shares what was said after receiving a call from his best friend Mikel Arteta the next day after Bournemouth draw that sealed Arsenal’s Premier League title.#AstroPL pic.twitter.com/6ZfL0d5BSs
— Stadium Astro 🇲🇾 (@stadiumastro) May 22, 2026
Why Bournemouth’s result mattered in Arsenal’s title race
The draw against Manchester City carried clear consequences.
Arsenal entered the final stretch needing results elsewhere to go in their favour. City dropping points created that opening.
This is where context becomes important.
Arsenal had already done their part by maintaining consistency in the run-in, especially when looking at recent developments within the squad. Their points total forced rivals into positions where even small slip-ups became decisive.
That pressure showed.
City failing to win meant Arsenal no longer needed further results to confirm their position at the top.
Moments like this define title races.
Not just what the champions do, but what their rivals fail to do at key stages.
Arteta’s influence extends beyond Arsenal’s squad
The call between Arteta and Iraola highlights something else.
Respect.
Managers at this level operate in competition, but relationships still exist. Communication like this is not common during a title run-in, which makes it notable.
It also reflects Arteta’s position within the league.
He is no longer building.
He is now influencing outcomes at the very top level.
That extends beyond his own squad. It includes how others respond within the same competitive environment.
What this reveals about Arsenal’s title-winning season
This moment is not the reason Arsenal won the league.
But it is part of the story.
Title wins are built across months. They rely on consistency, control, and, at times, results elsewhere.
Bournemouth’s draw provided that final piece.
Iraola’s comments simply confirm how aware those within the game were of its importance.
Arsenal did not just win the Premier League.
They created the conditions where one result like this could decide it.